Altitude Sickness. Things To Know about Summit County

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1 Altitude Sickness As you ascend to higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure decreases, the air is thinner and less oxygen is available. It is also colder, drier, and the ultraviolet rays from the sun are stronger. Each of these changes may have unpleasant effects on your body. Above 8000 feet, altitude illness affects 20 to 30% of visitors from low altitude to some degree. The extent to which you are affected depends on how quickly you ascend, what elevation you attain, how hard you exercise, what you eat and drink, and what health problems you may have (smoking, emphysema, asthma, anemia, diabetes, high blood pressure). When planning a trip to an area above 8000 feet, consult with your doctor if you have any questions. After arriving at high altitude, you will probably notice that your breathing is faster and/or deeper, and you may feel short of breath, especially when exercising. This is the body s first and most effective response to higher elevations. In addition, your heart is likely to beat faster, and you may develop nausea, unusual tiredness, headache, or have difficulty sleeping. Visitors with one or more of these symptoms may have Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This form of altitude illness usually resolves in a day or two. If the symptoms become worse, or if you are concerned, be sure to consult a doctor. A wet cough, increasing shortness of breath or the feeling of fluid collecting in your lungs may signal a more serious condition called High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE requires immediate medical attention. Before you leave home, you can do a few things to decrease the effects of high altitude. A couple days before your trip, start increasing your water intake. While you are here, drinking three times as much water as you normally do, limiting alcohol for the first couple days, eating foods which are high in carbohydrates, and using less salt may help. Diamox is a prescription drug which prevents unpleasant symptoms for many people who may be exceptionally prone to AMS. Experience suggests a small dose can be effective; 125 mg twice a day, beginning 24 hours before arrival to high altitude. Diamox should not be taken by people who are allergic to sulfa drugs. Discuss use and possible minor side effects (tingling sensations, altered taste, or increased urination) with your doctor. Once you arrive, take it easy for the first day or two. Adequate hydration is important in the prevention of altitude illness. Drink three times more water or fluid than usual. Limit alcohol consumption for two or three days and minimize caffeine intake. Limit salty foods and increase carbohydrate consumption. Above all, listen to your body. Do not push the limits of your physical capabilities. If you feel worse, get medical attention! Minor altitude illness symptoms can occasionally become life threatening. P a g e 1 9

2 Sunburn At high altitude the ultraviolet rays from the sun are more intense and, therefore, more damaging. Even when it is cloudy, the risk of sunburn is extreme. Before going out for the day, protect yourself and your family from the sun s ultraviolet rays. Apply a sunscreen, SPF-3 0 to your skin before beginning outdoor activities and every two hours while outside. To prevent sun injury to the eyes, wear sunglasses or goggles with ultraviolet (UV) protection. For reference, accommodations within Summit County are located between 11,000 ft. and 9,000 ft. P a g e 2 9

3 Frostbite and Hypothermia Things To Know about Summit County The air temperature falls three degrees Fahrenheit for every 1000 feet of elevation gain, therefore, temperatures in the high country can drop rapidly. Hypothermia (low body temperature) can occur when you are wet, chilled, fatigued or dressed inappropriately; even during warm weather. Warning signs are confusion, difficulty speaking, irritability and loss of coordination. Bring along extra clothes, drink and eat sufficiently and watch for warning signs in each other. If in doubt, stop, warm up, take fluid and food, and if necessary send for help. Frostbite is caused by cold exposure, resulting in ice crystals forming in the skin. It frequently occurs in the extremities, specifically the nose, ears, fingers and toes. The skin becomes numb, firm and yellowish white in color. Re-warming causes tingling and pain with skin color changes and blisters occurring in severe cases. Prevention includes dressing appropriately in winter (layering), wearing boots and gloves that are not wet or too tight, and taking time to warm up frequently. Consult a doctor for severe cases of any of these injuries due to exposure to cold weather, or if you have any concerns regarding cold injury related problems. HIGH ALTITUDE HEALTH TIPS * Quick Guide Avoid Altitude Illness Increase Fluid Intake Decrease Salt Intake Moderate Your Physical Activity Eat High Carbohydrate, Low Fat Meals Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine Intake Feeling Worse?-Seek Help Prevent Sunburn Use Sunscreen (SPF 30) Always Wear Sun Glasses or Goggles Prevent Cold Injury Dress in layers Bring Extra Clothes for Sudden Temperature Changes Wear Properly Fitting Boots and Gloves Avoid Wet Clothing Drink and Eat Frequently Stop to Warm up Often Watch Each other for Warning Signs P a g e 3 9

4 Summit County Medical Care Things To Know about Summit County Physicians in the area are trained in Family Practice and Emergency Care. If necessary they can arrange access to specialists throughout Summit and Eagle Counties. The staff and facilities can help meet your health care needs, should you require medical attention. ST. ANTHONY SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTER FRISCO (Hospital & Emergency Room) 340 Peak One Drive or 911 if emergency HIGH ALTITUDE MOBILE PHYSICIANS MEDICAL OFFICES - Call for specific office hours HIGH COUNTRY HEALTH CARE BRECKENRIDGE 400 N. Park, Ste. 1-A (970) FRISCO FAMILY PRACTICE Peak One Drive, Suite 260 Medical Office Building next to the Hospital in Frisco (970) HIGH COUNTRY HEALTH CARE SILVERTHORNE 265 Tanglewood Drive, Suite 1-E (970) ST. ANTHONY URGENT CARE KEYSTONE (Open in Winter only!) 1252 County Road 8 (970) EBERT FAMILY CLINIC - FRISCO 730 Summit Blvd, Suite 101 By Starbucks in Frisco (970) VAIL SUMMIT ORTHOPAEDICS 360 Peak One Drive 1rst Floor Medical Office Building next to the Hospital in Frisco (970) P a g e 4 9

5 Be safe with wildlife Summit County has an abundance of wonderful wildlife and homes in mountain foothills may have many animal visitors. Please keep your distance to enjoy them and do not harass or try to get close for picture taking. You may see elk, moose, deer, bears, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes or raccoons. Be aware of your surroundings when outside, especially in early mornings or twilight. Monitor small children closely when they are outside. Do not keep any food in your car, always lock your car doors and all doors to the home, do not leave coolers outside and make sure that you clean outside grills after use, close garage doors when not coming in or out. Do not leave any garbage outside. Bears and raccoons can be very destructive when they smell food and have access. Please do your part to not attract them. What should I pack for my Respite Stay in Summit County? At any time of year in Summit County, remember your sunscreen. The sun s rays at 10,000+ft above sea level can still burn your skin in cold or cloudy weather. Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and chapstick is a must for the dry air! Bring a swim suit to enjoy the hot tubs and heated pools. Always wear a hat. Don t forget to bring a camera to capture all your favorite memories in Summit County! Here are some tips on what to wear and essential outdoor items to bring on your respite stay: Mountain Seasonal Expectations SPRING IN SUMMIT COUNTY Coming to the high country of Colorado in the spring? Be prepared to enjoy the sunniest ski days with the snowiest storms on back to back days. March has a reputation as our highest snowfall month every year. April s average snowfall coming in close second! The weather changes so quickly in Summit County this time of year. Even a 40 degree temperature change in a day is possible. The temperature could start in the single digits when the sun rises could have you in jeans and a long sleeve tee by mid-afternoon! How should you pack for this kind of weather? Layers! These are the conditions you will want to prepare for: Cold storms with lots of snowfall require waterproof jackets and pants and perhaps an extra pair of gloves. For those gorgeous blue bird sunny days you want to plan your layers so that you can easily change if the temperature goes from brisk in the morning to balmy in the afternoon. A hooded sweatshirt, layered t-shirts or an outer-layer windproof shell is all you will need after the P a g e 5 9

6 sun has been out for a few hours; remember hats. Dressing for temperature changes can be tricky, but choosing layers with vents and zippers is a great way to adjust your comfort throughout the day. For your inside attire you will find the same principles of dressing apply. With the days bringing brisk mornings, warm afternoons, and cold nights you want to pack a cozy sweater, a light jacket, and remember a t-shirt or two and think about water proofing your leather boots and gloves before you leave home. SUMMER IN SUMMIT COUNTY The average daily temperature is 75 degrees during the summer and the average humidity ranges around 33%. Coming from a warmer climate you ll want to remember a light jacket for daytime activities on the cooler days and perhaps a sweatshirt and some warm socks as the nights get chilly. Good thing there are fireplaces in many condos or homes so you can get cozy on a cool summer night after you ve been out stargazing. The view of the stars from this elevation is breathtaking! If you re planning on horseback riding definitely remember to bring a pair of sturdy, comfortable jeans. For hiking and biking bring clothes that you can move in; moisture wicking socks are a great investment to pair with your hiking boots and a wind breaker for the high speed downhill adventurers. Of course if you are planning on spending your days playing around the pool and barbequing on the patio you ll want to remember your swim suit, something to wear to and from the pool, sandals and a good pair of sunglasses. The sun is strong at high elevations so hats, sun screen and other protective clothing is a great idea to prevent a surprise sunburn which can just as easily occur on a cooler summer day as it can on a hot one. Remember to bring a rain jacket if planning any outdoor activities so you can always be prepared for the common afternoon showers that move through the Rocky Mountains in the summer months. FALL IN SUMMIT COUNTY Did you know that it typically snows somewhere in the state of Colorado every month of the year? This means that if you re coming to the high country in the fall not only will you be able to enjoy the marvelous colors of the changing leaves on the famous Colorado aspen groves, you may also wake up to a beautiful dusting of the white stuff. When packing for your fall trip to Summit County you can plan on sunny and rainy days with mild mornings and afternoons and cooler nights to follow as the sun starts to set earlier and the snow starts sticking in the higher mountain areas. This is a great time of year for hiking and late season golfing so pack an extra sweater, bring a pair of light gloves and maybe a scarf to keep the chill off. Like every other season in Colorado think of planning your outfits in LAYERS and bring your sunscreen, sun glasses and hats! Hiking and biking in the cooler fall months is a beautiful way to experience all the colors of the changing seasons so bring your hiking shoes, a backpack for your day hike and as always an extra water bottle to stay hydrated during your time in the high country. P a g e 6 9

7 WINTER IN SUMMIT COUNTY Things To Know about Summit County Basic outdoor activity attire should include the following items to keep you warm, comfortably mobile and dry: Start with long underwear like Under Armour or a similar moisture wicking material for the layer of clothes closest to your skin. Remember that cotton will hold the cold close to your skin. You should get wool, polar fleece or another synthetic material designed to keep your skin warm and dry. Good, thick socks that will come up above the top of boots will play a big role in keeping your toes warm and your feet comfortable. Water-proof snow pants are another important piece of your outfit, looking for a pair with useful pockets and air vents is a great idea! Layering a long-sleeved tee, a warm thermal or a hooded sweatshirt (depending on the temperature outside) under your ski jacket can be a great way to adjust your temperature throughout the day as the outside temperature changes regularly when the sun comes out. A good pair of moisture wicking gloves and a warm hat are two more important items to bring with you. For the really cold days, when the snow is fresh and the air is brisk, you should bring a neck warmer and a face mask or scarf that covers both your face and neck to help protect your face from the wind. Always remember to bring along hats. References Silverthorne Welcome Center 246-V Rainbow Drive Frisco Welcome Center 300 Main Street, Corner of 3rd Avenue & Main Street Breckenridge Welcome Center 203 South Main Street P a g e 7 9

8 Expectations for a Respite Family Things To Know about Summit County Our Program Managers or valued volunteers will meet you shortly after you arrive to welcome you, answer any questions, orient you to the home, and provide some delicious food prepared by volunteers. Additionally, we will bring information on any discounted or donated goods and services we have been able to obtain on your behalf. Should you have questions or need assistance at any time during your stay, please don t hesitate to contact our Program Managers by phone call, text message or . We will provide you with Thank You cards that we ask you to fill out for all of the individuals and businesses that have donated goods or services to make your respite stay a reality. You will receive a welcome letter when you arrive that provides you with the first names of the donors for each item or service donated for your stay. We will also provide an itinerary for any confirmed reservations or commitments scheduled for your family. One of us will meet you at the end of your stay to say goodbye and collect these thank you cards so we can distribute to the generous donors. We want our home donors, volunteers and supporting businesses to feel respected and appreciated so they want to continue to donate to other families on this journey. The accommodation you will be staying in is a home owned by an individual or a family that has donated a week of time to Domus Pacis for use for a family on a cancer journey. We ask that you treat the home donated for your use with the same care you would use if a friend loaned you their home. Do not re-arrange furniture. Most of the cleaners in Summit County charge hourly for their time. Since Domus Pacis pays these cleaners after your stay, we ask you to help us contain some of those costs by doing your part to not cause extra cleaning costs to be incurred from your stay. We ask that your family: Wash all pots and pans used and put away where they were found, run the dishwasher for any dishes and glasses used. Clean up spilled food on counters or stove. Do not use food found in the pantry, refrigerator or freezer unless you have been given permission from the owner. Remember you are using someone s home and their food belongs to them. Clean out your food from the refrigerator or freezer and either take home or dispose of in the trash. If you want to leave unopened, unused food for the cleaners or to return to the Domus Pacis freezer, please leave a note on the counter designating your wishes. Consolidate all of your trash and transport it to the bin in the garage or dumpster if there is one. Please do not leave any trash outside unless it is the designated trash pickup day at that location and is in a secured dumpster as it can attract bears and other animals, or be spread by wind. P a g e 8 9

9 Strip the sheets from all beds that have been used, leave the unused beds made up so the cleaners know they do not have to change those beds. If there is a washer and dryer in your unit, it is nice to launder the towels as they take a long time to dry here. If there are not laundry facilities in your property or your unit is in a property managed building, don t worry about it. We do not expect you to dust, vacuum, clean bathrooms just the basics that will ensure a cleaning can be provided efficiently by the professionals. Please make sure to follow rules for hot tub use and turn jets off properly and replace the lid securely. Do not put any substances into the tub that would necessitate the tub needing to be drained and refilled which is a minimum of $250 service fee. If your accommodation has an outdoor fire pit, please be very careful to not burn on a windy day or while there is a burn ban in effect ($1000 fine in Summit County). Never leave fire unattended and extinguish all fires completely with water. Hot coals have been known to ignite with wind in the night and cause a wildfire. If you have a fireplace in the home that burns wood be careful to open the flue properly and extinguish completely when done. If the fireplace is gas, do not try to open the glass doors or rearrange the fake logs. This will require a fireplace technician to repair, along with an additional $100 trip charge. Notify someone by phone at Domus Pacis immediately if there is a serious problem with the home. Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked when departing. Make sure you understand if the door between the home and garage should or should not be locked. Some owners need the door to remain unlocked so cleaners can access the home through the garage code. P a g e 9 9