Mountain climbing has become a popular activity among children and teenagers. However, because the terrain is not easy, then mountain climbing preparation must be watched carefully.
Traveling to high places, including climbing mountains, is a strenuous activity. When climbing a mountain with a certain height, the oxygen pressure in the air will decrease. This is what can make a person experience health problems when at high altitudes without good preparation.
Make sure Memppay attention to the safety factor
There are several preparations for climbing the mountain that must be done by climbers, one of which is by preparing climbing equipment. In order to climb the mountain can be done well, a climber must bring the right equipment. In addition to making it easier, the preparation of the right mountain climbing equipment is also useful for maintaining security. Some things to pay attention to include:
- Ensure health conditionsBefore climbing a mountain, a very important preparation to take is to make sure your health condition is prime for traveling. If you have a previous history of certain diseases such as high blood pressure, and heart disease, then before climbing the mountain you need to consult a doctor to make sure your health condition is suitable for traveling. It is also recommended at least 48 hours before climbing the mountain not to consume alcohol or do too much physical activity.
- Clothes appropriatePreparation for climbing the first mountain that must be considered is about clothing. The clothes worn are one of the key factors for safety and comfort in climbing. With the right clothes, movements and maneuvers while climbing will be easier to do. Because the terrain that will be taken will involve altitude, make sure the clothes you use are able to protect yourself from the weather conditions that are there. Changes in weather conditions must also be anticipated.
- Proper footwear and canesWearing the right shoes can be the key to conquering the climbing terrain. Shoes that fit right in your feet will provide ankle comfort, stability, and footing. If the hike is on rocky terrain, use a cane or two to help maintain balance on uneven terrain and to help reduce the impact of impact on the knees, hips, ankles, and back waist.
- Bring enough food and waterPreparation for climbing the next mountain is sufficient supply of food and water. Since the top of the mountain tends to be away from the crowds, make sure to bring enough food and drink. Make sure that the backpack you use is appropriate and suitable for carrying the equipment.
Health Problems That May Appear
One of the health problems that climbers can potentially experience is Altitude sickness or altitude sickness. This disease usually whacks when a person does not get enough oxygen at altitude. Symptoms that arise from this disorder are headaches, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
Other symptoms that may appear include weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. The emergence of this disease is usually caused by too fast ascent from the lowlands to the plains with an altitude of 2,400 meters or more.
If this condition develops more severe, then altitude sickness will then develop into two kinds, pulmonary edema or brain edema due to altitude. The first is caused by too much fluid in the lungs, while the second is caused by too much fluid building up in the brain.
Symptoms that may appear if altitude sickness progresses to a severe level include:
- Experiencing shortness of breath.
- Bluish skin and nails which is a sign of lack of oxygen. Often have a cough as a sign of excess fluid in the lungs.
- Get out phlegm. Sputum may be frothy and pink in color which indicates the presence of blood coming from damaged lung tissue.
- Heart beat
- Unable to sit or walk properly.
- Often behaves unreasonably, such as not wanting to admit symptoms.
How to Prevent and Treat Altitude Disease
To prevent altitude sickness that may occur while climbing the mountain, climbers should take precautions. The most effective action is to go up slowly when trying to reach a certain peak or height. In addition, climbers should also limit activities during the early stages of climbing to minimize the risk of developing this disease.
If you get acute altitude sickness while climbing a mountain, try to stay calm and not panic. This condition is not a serious condition and can recover on its own with enough rest. If necessary, take analgesic drugs to minimize pain. Symptoms of acute altitude sickness can also be reduced by meeting the body's fluid needs.
If the condition is getting worse and how to minimize symptoms still doesn't work, it's better for climbers to descend to a lower place. The climber needs to receive an immediate medical examination to ensure that his breathing is safe and his vital signs are normal. Another measure that can help is to administer oxygen from a portable oxygen cylinder.
Deteriorating health conditions can occur while climbing a mountain, making climbers should prepare sufficient equipment to anticipate things like this. If you experience certain symptoms while climbing a mountain, seek help immediately and don't force yourself to climb.
