degrees, but temperatures
in the evening are cool and often call for a sweater or jacket. There may
also be occasional brief showers in the afternoons.
Health Effects of High Altitude
As you go to higher altitudes, the barometric pressure decreases, the
air is thinner, and less oxygen is available. The air is also dryer
and the ultraviolet rays from the sun are stronger. At elevations of
8000 plus feet, your body responds by breathing faster and more
deeply,
resulting in shortness of breath, especially on exertion. Many people
develop mild symptoms of headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and
unusual tiredness, which is called acute mountain sickness. These
symptoms usually go away in a day or two. If symptoms are severe,
persist, or worsen, you should consult a doctor. A physician is on
call
24 hours a day through the Breckenridge Medical Center.
The effects of high altitude can be decreased by following these
recommendations:
- Increase Fluid Intake -- drink two or three times more fluid
than usual; water and juices are best.
- Avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine on your day of arrival and one
to two days thereafter.
- Decrease salt intake -- salt causes your body to retain fluid,
which increases the severity of altitude illness.
- Eat frequent small meals high in carbohydrates, low in fat, and
low in protein.
- Moderate physical activity and get plenty of rest.
- Medications and oxygen can help you feel much better. Diamox is a
prescription drug that prevents the unpleasant symptoms for many
people. Experience suggests that a small dose of Diamox suffices:
125mgs the morning before you arrive at altitude, again that evening,
and each morning and night for two days after arrival. For further
information, please consult your physician.
- Studies have shown that spending 1 to 2 nights at a modest
altitude of 5000 to 6000 feet decreases symptoms when you go higher.
Registration
The workshop is open, and anyone interested in attending the workshop
must complete the
online registration form.
All
participants MUST register. Limited travel funds
may be available, and the registration form must indicate details of
financial requirements needed and information on current CCSM work or
planned future work. All requests for travel funding must be received via online
registration before Monday, 1 April 2002.
Recreation, Restaurants, and Shopping
Breckenridge is packed with shops and restaurants, too many to list
here. The Village Resort has several restaurants on site as well.
Contact
Inquiries regarding the workshop should be directed to:
Lydia Shiver
NCAR/Climate System Model Program Office
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307
E-mail: lydia@ucar.edu
Phone: 303-497-1320
Fax: 303-497-1314
