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-   -   Question on preventing altitude sickness (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/question-on-preventing-altitude-sickness-449590/)

karameli Nov 8th, 2008 06:07 AM

RedRock,

WishIwasthere asked for advice...on a forum about travel advice. I don't think that qualifies as "worrying oneself sick." If it does, this board is full of people worrying themselves sick over hotel choices, the best beaches, airfare, etc.

Sante Fe's elevation is almost 7,000 feet -- certainly high enough for this question to be warranted. I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to be prepared. The OP can't predict altitude sickness, but doing everything possible to avoid it (staying hydrated, etc) is just good sense. Your "logic" is akin to saying "Why bother drinking water or stretching your legs on an airplane, when the whole thing could go down?"

RedRock Nov 8th, 2008 07:02 AM

karameli - >>WishIwasthere asked for advice...on a forum about travel advice. I don't think that qualifies as "worrying oneself sick." <<

Yep, thats what I recommended. Not to worry onesself sick about altitude sickness before it happens. I agree with what you said in your post. That is why I recommended a healthy life style. That pertty well covers all that has been said. Eat well, drink the proper amount of water, get the proper amount of rest. Ya know all that kind of stuff you should be doing anyway. Then not to worry and enjoy your trip.

>>Your "logic" is akin to saying "Why bother drinking water or stretching your legs on an airplane, when the whole thing could go down?"<<

I do that all the time, especially on those long 12-14 hour flights to the Far East. If the 'whole thing' would go down there is nothing you or I could do. Why worry about that either?




nytraveler Nov 8th, 2008 03:57 PM

RedRock -

Some people get it and some don't. If you don't fine - good for you.

But don;t accuse people of "worrying themselves sick" about something that can easily ruin a vacation - if you do get it.

Getting info in advance only makes sense.

And Santa Fe is plenty high enough for quite a few people to get altitude sickness - some people get it as low as 5,000 feet.

RedRock Nov 8th, 2008 05:37 PM

nytraveler-->But don;t accuse people of "worrying themselves sick" about something that can easily ruin a vacation <

Some people apparently are doing this.

>if you do get it.< - That is my point exactally. IF, a big IF. Most people do not get altitude sickness.

>Getting info in advance only makes sense.,<

That is the reason I suggested that the OP take care of them self. Ya know, like eat right, proper rest, drink water. I also added, enjoy the trip and not to worry. Common since things.



karameli Nov 9th, 2008 01:47 PM

You'd think RedRock worked for the High-Altitude Toursit Board. 10% of people experience altitude sickness at 8,000 feet. I think that's ample reason to ask about it. Common sense (or "common since") is a perfectly fine recommendation. I think the point of everyone on this thread, RedRock, is that there's no reason to pretend altitude sickness is a near impossibility when many posters have experienced it firsthand...myself included.

Just a note that may ACTUALLY be helpful to the OP and others -- airplane cabins are typically pressurized to 8,000 feet. If you typically get a headache or sinus pressure on long flights, you may be more susceptible. (Don't worry, RedRock, we all already know you have never experienced such a thing and it's no use worrying about it...)

RedRock Nov 9th, 2008 02:55 PM

karameli- Sorry you suffer from A/S. I still don't see a reason to worry about it if you have never had it. You should at least not worry yourself silly before you know you are even susceptible. That has been my point all along... Your chances of getting it are much less if you take good care of your self. I have stated this before. I was doing the same as you, just trying to be helpful to the OP.
How do you know that 10% are susceptible??

http://msa4.files.wordpress.com/2008...d_e_neuman.jpg




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