The Reasons Why Climbing Mountains Need Adequate Preparation

Mountain climbing has become a popular activity among children and teenagers. However, because the terrain that is traveled is not easy, preparation for mountain climbing must be carefully considered. Traveling to high places, one of which includes hiking 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 altitude without good preparation.

Be sure to pay attention to the safety factor

There are some mountain climbing preparations that must be done by climbers, one of them is by preparing climbing equipment. In order to climb mountains properly, a climber must bring the right equipment. In addition to making it easier, the preparation of appropriate mountain climbing equipment is also useful for maintaining security. Some things to consider include:

• Ensuring health conditions

Before climbing a mountain, a very important preparation is to ensure that your health condition is excellent for traveling. If you have a history of certain previous illnesses 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 fit for travel. Also recommended at least 48 hours before climbing the mountain to not consume alcohol or physical activity is too heavy.

• Appropriate clothing

The first preparation to climb a mountain must be considered is the matter of clothing. Clothing worn is one of the key factors for safety and comfort in climbing. With the right clothes, movement and maneuverability when climbing will be easier to do. Because the terrain taken will involve altitude, try to wear clothes that are able to protect themselves from the weather conditions that are there. Weather conditions that are easily changed must also be anticipated.

• Proper footwear and sticks

Wearing the right shoes can be the key to conquering the climbing terrain. Shoes that fit the foot will provide ankle comfort, stability and footing. If climbing is done in rocky areas, use one or two sticks to help maintain balance in the uneven area and to help reduce the effects of impact on the knees, hips, ankles, and back of the waist.

• Bring enough food and water

The preparation for the next mountain climb is sufficient to supply food and water. Because mountain tops tend to be far from the crowd, be sure to bring enough food and drink. Try to use a backpack that is appropriate and suitable for carrying these equipment.

Possible Health Problems

One of the potential health problems experienced by climbers is altitude sickness or altitude sickness. This disease is usually whacked when someone does not get enough oxygen at altitude. Symptoms that arise from this disorder are headaches, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Other symptoms that may appear include weakness, fatigue, stomach ache, vomiting, and dizziness. The emergence of this disease is usually caused by too fast climbing from the lowlands to the plains with an altitude of 2,400 meters or more. If this condition develops to become more severe, then altitude disease will then develop into two kinds, pulmonary edema or brain edema due to elevation. The first is caused by too much fluid in the lungs, while the second type is due to too much fluid accumulating in the brain. Symptoms that may occur if altitude disease develops in a severe direction include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Bluish skin and nails which are signs of lack of oxygen. Often experience coughing as a sign of the lungs there is excess fluid.
• Sputum out. Phlegm may be foamy and pink 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 acknowledge symptoms.

How to Prevent and Treat Altitude Diseases

To prevent altitude sickness that may occur when climbing a mountain, climbers should take precautions. The most effective action is to go up slowly when you want to reach a certain peak or height. In addition, climbers should also limit their activities during the early ascent to minimize the risk of developing this disease. If you have acute altitude sickness when climbing a mountain, try to stay calm and not panic. This condition is not a serious condition and can heal itself with enough rest. If necessary, take analgesics to minimize pain. Acute altitude sickness can also be reduced by meeting the needs of body fluids. If the condition is getting worse and how to minimize the symptoms still does not work, climbers should go down to a lower place. Climbers need to get a medical examination immediately to ensure that breathing is safe and vital signs are normal. Another action that can help is to provide oxygen from portable oxygen cylinders. Deteriorating health conditions can occur while climbing a mountain, making the climbers should prepare enough equipment to anticipate things like this. If when climbing a mountain you experience certain symptoms, immediately seek help and do not force to climb.