Plan your travels to help you gradually acclimate.
We'll be at around 8700 ft elevation. If you're coming from sea level, go gradually. Perhaps start by camping a night at 3,000 ft, and then at 5,000 ft, and continue on like that. Our bodies typically need a day or a little more to adjust to a new elevation, so plan ahead to avoid any risk of high elevation side effects.
Avoid strenuous exercise the first 24 hours.
This will help you prevent any side-effects from altitude sickness and give your body the time it needs to acclimate.
Limit alcohol and caffeine the first 24 hours.
Alcohol binds oxygen and water, and robs them from your body. It's also recommended to avoid caffeine at least a day before arriving in higher altitudes.
Stay hydrated, drink more than normal. Your body loses fluid quicker at high altitudes due to a faster respiratory and lower humidity. Some recommend doubling your fluid intake and also ensuring you're increasing electrolytes.
Check with your doctor. If you have health issues or already know you have altitude sensitivity, you should consult with your doctor. Some medications can make altitude symptoms even worse. If you're at risk of altitude sickness, there are also some medications that could help you prevent side effects.
Immediately alert your hosts if you feel any symptoms.
If you feel significant symptoms, call 911 immediately. For any mild symptoms, like a mild headache or tiredness, please let your hosts know.
Please let your hosts know if any urgent medical issues arise. We have some nurses in our EKKO family that have volunteered to help in the event of an emergency.