Make Your Move To Higher Elevation Successful

If you're thinking about joining the hundreds of thousands of others who've made their way to the Centennial State, you will want to be sure to take some extra precautions to prepare for moving to a higher elevation. With thinner air comes a host of adjustments for your body. It takes about two years in altitude to fully adjust, however, you can take steps to ensure that your body adjusts without complication.

Physical Activity Will Be Harder

The higher the elevation, the lower the air pressure. This forces your heart and lungs to work harder, so exercise that you are used to doing at sea level will feel a lot more challenging in altitude. You'll want to ease into exercising after moving to a higher elevation to ensure that you don't overexert yourself too quickly

You'll Burn More Easily

It probably doesn't come as a surprise that moving to a higher elevation puts you closer to the sun with less protection than what you experience at sea level. For every one thousand feet of elevation you gain, there is anywhere from an 8 to 10 percent increase in sun exposure. This means that in Denver, you get about 50 percent more sun than you do at sea level. In the mountains, where elevation is even higher, the sun exposure increases even more. Be sure to wear sunscreen and reapply liberally so that you don't burn. You may also want to pack sunglasses and a hat when you're going out.

You May Experience Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a general term that covers a number of different symptoms, from nausea to headaches to shortness of breath. These symptoms are your body's response to the changing air pressure. To prevent altitude sickness when moving to a higher elevation, you should ascend up as slowly as possible and take it easy once you get there. If you do find that you are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, don't go any higher. You can treat headaches with your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever and use a portable oxygen canister to relieve some of the other symptoms. When all else fails, head down to a lower altitude for a while until you're feeling better.

Eating & Sleeping Habits Could Change

In addition to the initial symptoms of altitude sickness, moving to a higher elevation can wreak havoc on your appetite and sleep. If you are continuously having trouble sleeping, you might try an over-the-counter sleep aid. If you're vacationing, you should try sleeping at a lower altitude than you spend the rest of your trip. If you're skiing at 10,000 feet, you might look for a resort or hotel at a lower elevation to avoid sleep trouble. When it comes to a suppressed appetite, you want to be conscious of what you are eating. Not sustaining yourself could make other symptoms of altitude sickness much worse.

You Might Feel Tipsy

There is a common myth that you will be affected by alcohol more quickly when moving to a higher elevation, but that's not actually true. Often, people feel intoxicated more quickly because they are basically getting hit with 2-for-1 when it comes to disorienting factors. Alcohol is affecting your body just as it normally does, but you may feel drunker because of the symptoms of altitude sickness. When you go out drinking, you want to do so with caution. Be sure you are supplementing your intake with plenty of water and going at a lesser and/or slower pace than you may be normally accustomed to.

Your Skin Will Be Dry

Especially if you are moving to a higher elevation in the winter, you will want to have lotion on hand. The air at higher elevation is much dryer, so your skin and lips will dry out. Nosebleeds are another common side effect of high altitude because we often forget to keep the skin on the inside of our nose moisturized. You can use something like Vaseline or Ayr Gel to keep your nose lubricated and prevent bleeds.

You'll Want Plenty Of Water

The lower air pressure also lends itself to dehydration. Carry a water bottle with you so that you don't have to go in search of water when you are feeling thirsty. You may also want to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake as they act as a diuretic and could make staying hydrated even harder.

If you're moving to a higher elevation, these tips can help you have a trouble-free move. If you need help with your high-altitude move, contact Amazing Moves today to get an estimate.