A Few Recommendations for

Coping with Altitude in the Mile-High City

We smile and refer to The Gesneriad Society 2008 convention in Denver as the Convention With Altitude or We’ll Take Your Breath Away, but as your hosts we would be negligent if we did not discuss the affects of altitude on visitors from lower elevations and inform you of simple behavioral changes that will allow you to enjoy yourself without ill effect while in Colorado.

How may the altitude affect you? Commonly, it could result in a headache, slight nausea or vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, or even difficulty sleeping.

Why does this happen? Simply put, the atmospheric pressure is only about 2/3 of what it is at sea level. That is why water boils at a lower temperature here [ average in Denver 201 °F (94 °C)] , for example, and the ingredients in recipes for baked goods such as cakes are adjusted. The air is ‘thinner’ and contains less oxygen. You are actually taking in less oxygen with each breath and the amount of oxygen in your blood declines. Those of us who live here actually have red blood cells that contain more hemoglobin to compensate for the lower oxygen concentrations in the air. Everyone who comes to Denver this summer who lives at a lower elevation will experience normal physiological changes that include:

• hyperventilation (breathing faster, deeper, or both)
• shortness of breath during exertion
• changed breathing pattern at night
• awakening frequently at night, and
• increased urination.

What will help? The American Heart Association recommends that you increase altitude slowly. Since most convention guests will be arriving by plane and abruptly landing at 5,280 ft (1,609 m) above sea level, that is difficult to impossible to do. To avoid or lessen the effects of altitude, recommended behavior includes rest, plenty of fluids, and mild analgesics for headache such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or aspirin.

Here are other tips:

• Moderate your activity and avoid strenuous behavior for the first day or two. An excellent reason to come early and take in the sights. Wait to take advantage of the jogging trail across the street and wait to take advantage of the hotel’s exercise room.

• Increase fluid intake by drinking extra water – even up to two or three times more than usual. You’ll be receiving a bottle of water at registration as a reminder. Denver’s drinking water is delicious and you can easily keep the bottle filled. Also, with the low humidity in Colorado, you will not be as aware of the heat as you might at home and might even realize that you are perspiring. Being thirsty here is common, but easily remedied.

• Decrease salt intake.

• Eat foods higher in carbohydrates.

• Consume less fat.

• Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake. The effect of alcohol is magnified at high altitude.

Follow these recommendations for a comfortable trip to The Gesneriad Society 2008 convention in Denver, 1-6 July.