<p>I’m a flatlander, and going to have to go to Colorado in 2 weeks. I’m completely out of shape. What can I do in this short time to get ready? I know there are no miracles! I figure I’d better start some cardio ASAP. I read that taking ginko for 2 weeks before leaving and then while there would help. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>No advice but I am curious, is this really an issue in places where people live? Obviously I understand this is a thing if you’re climbing Mt. Everest, but if you’re taking a trip to Denver is lack of oxygen really an issue?</p>
<p>Some people are sensitive to changes in altitude. I, personally, am not. But, yes, it’s a real thing.</p>
<p>Easy does it is key when acclimating. Drink a lot of water (it’s very dry here) avoid alcohol (or drink in much smaller than usual quantities) and limit caffeine. Avoid hot tubs. Most people who get altitude sickness here or in the mountains drink too much or exert themselves too much in the first couple of days. After a couple of days, your body will adjust - although if you go up to the mountains it might take longer to acclimate, and you may not sleep as well as you do at sea level.</p>
<p>How long will be in Colorado? Will you be doing anything strenuous while you’re there? (Hiking, skiing/snowboarding, jogging, cycling, walking long distances…) Do you have any heart or respiratory problems?</p>
<p>Altitude acclimation takes anywhere from 3-4 days to a few weeks, depending on your physical condition, activity levels and genetics. (Your body will need to make extra red blood cells.)</p>
<p>Unless you’re planning on doing strenuous activities or have heart or respiratory problems, you probably don’t need to do anything to prepare for the altitude. You may find yourself a bit short-of-breath when engaging in strenuous activities, but most people don’t find the altitude to be major problem.</p>
<p>Allow yourself a bit of extra time to get places when walking. (In case you need to walk slower or take a brief break enroute.)</p>
<p>Altitude headaches can be a issue for some people. A combination of less oxygen plus the dry air cause them. It’s very easy to get mildly dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and take a mild analgesic (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen–your choice) if you need one. A brief rest or nap will also help.</p>
<p>While at altitude, avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol packs a bigger wallop at altitude. It can also contribution to dehydration.</p>
<p>(I live at an altitude that higher than Denver’s and have flatlander guests visiting frequently.)</p>
<p>I’m not convinced there’s much you can do ahead of time besides be well-rested. I’ve never had problems until I got over 8000 feet or so. Taking it easy the first day you are up high is important. We used to go backpacking in Sierras and the people who arrived early and spent a night at the altitude before taking off always did better.</p>
<p>People vary tremendously – even athletes. I’ve seen Olympic-level figure athletes who train at sea level compete at altitude with no trouble, and I’ve seen other Olympic-level athletes wheeze and actually need oxygen after they finish. Hydrate, avoid alcohol, and take an aspirin or ibuprofen or Aleve if you get a headache. The lack of humidity is more bothersome to a lot of people than the altitude. Some saline nasal spray might make you more comfortable.</p>
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<p>That can be a problem – if your heart/lung capacity is just barely adequate at sea level, you may be more likely to encounter difficulty at altitude with 20% thinner air.</p>
<p>I heard somewhere that beathing into a paper bag helps. i haven’t tried it myself.</p>
<p>Do yourself a favor and start some cardio. Stay hydrated. Take it easy. </p>
<p>I’m going on a high altitude trip and I’ve started training for it although it’s awhile out. </p>
<p>Not much you can do in two weeks, but go ahead and start an exercise program anyway if you are out of shape. If you are going to CO to be physically active, then yes, you will feel it. Drink lots of water, as others have said, and avoid alcohol. Also, know it will be tougher for you and start slowly, pace yourself, and allow yourself extra time. </p>
<p>If you aren’t going to be active, less reason for concern. You may well experience some shortness of breath climbing stairs or walking that you wouldn’t otherwise. Know that before you arrive and you won’t be freaked out when it happens.</p>
<p>I suffer from altitude sickness and have made yearly trips to colorado.
The last four years this has worked!</p>
<p>Overnight if you can in denver. Avoid alcohol</p>
<p>Follow the regimen of ibuprofen described in this article- you can google this treatment.stay hydrated. </p>
<p><a href=“Ibuprofen Can Prevent Altitude Sickness | TIME.com”>http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/20/ibuprofen-can-prevent-altitude-sickness/</a></p>
<p>Not the OP, but thanks for the tips. I’m headed to Park City, UT for some skiing on Wednesday. Caffeine, alcohol, and hot tubs were on the list, but are now coming off. </p>
<p>Went to wedding in SLC many years ago and stayed in Park City for a few days before. H had a horrible headache the night we arrived that lingered to the next day. He realized it was likely altitude issues, as we had flown in from east coast and drove straight to Park City. Hydration is the key. If you could spend the first night in SLC it might help. When we went to Yellowstone 5 years ago, we flew into and spent the first night in Bozeman Mt, which is 4000’ vs the 8000’ in Yellowstone and it helped a bit. Gradually adjusting to altitude is another smart move. </p>
<p>As was mentioned, some people are more susceptible than others. I was on a business trip to high altitude mine. (We took a chopper in). The person in the group that felt the worst was the 20-something woman, not the 60-something guy w a history of heart issues. Everyone is different. </p>
<p>Toledo, all these are OK in small quantities - and only after a couple of days at altitude. Otherwise you won’t enjoy your skiing very much, and may very well empty the contents of your stomach at inopportune moments. I do recommend aspirin. I live in Denver, but suffer from altitude sickness frequently when I go skiing . Aspirin helps, as does lots of water and caffeine/alcohol avoidance so I can enjoy the hot tub. One must prioritize 
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<p>BTW, it’s true that people react in different ways to altitude, and everyone can have a bad reaction now and again. I’ve seen children - kids born and raised here - who got altitude sickness when they went up skiing. So if it happens to you - you’re not alone!</p>
<p>^^She’s right anyone can have a bad reaction. Friend of ours who has lived here most of her life went up to the summit of a nearby peak at 10,500 ft. (which she had done literally dozens upon dozens of time) and developed a pulmonary edema due to altitude sickness. HAPE is potential life threatening. Fortunately she recognized the symptoms and took herself to the ER for treatment. </p>
<p>If you experience severe shortness of breath, prolonged coughing bouts, chest pain or a persistent headache that is not relieved by mild analgesics—please get yourself to a doctor!</p>
<p>If you will be exerting at altitude and know you’re likely to experience altitude sickness, there is a prescription med (Diamox) you can take to help prevent altitude sickness. Ask your doctor. </p>
<p>Also,another important tip do NOT TAKE ADVIL (ibuprophen) on an empty stomach.
I take the Advil on schedule ( every four hours or six ) regardless of symptoms the first 24 hours.
( apparently, it helps prevent brain swelling ) </p>
<p>Drug stores sell canisters of oxygen. I used these for a couple of years, but I KNOW the method described in the TIME LINK prevented me from having severe ( migraine level) headache and vomiting. </p>
<p>Also, first night at 9,000 ft EAT LIGHT FOOD FOR FIRST NIGHT , and go to sleep early,
The next morning I’m ready to ski, but continue with scheduled Advil, and fluid.</p>
<p>Altitude sickness is no fun.Flu like symptoms for 48 </p>
<p>( we lived in Salt Lake City, and Missoula,Montana, and skied in various western resorts- I haven’t been a flat lander my whole life and only encountered altitude issues when I fly in from east )</p>
<p>For me, water is the key to fending of the effects of altitude change. It’s not an extra glass or two. It’s having a water bottle with me at all times and even waking up in the middle of the night to drink.</p>
<p>We increase the hydration days before we head for high elevation. Take it easy the first day you are at higher elevations. If you are staying IN Salt Lake City you will be under 5,000 feet and might have an easier time of it. I feel it more when I am staying 24/7 above 9,000 ft., but everyone is different. </p>
<p>I had wicked altitude sickness at Alta thirty years ago, my first experience. Flew in the salt lake early on mountain for afternoon, and vomiting by dinner time- awful.</p>