Living at High Altitude

Life at high altitude is a little different. Many of the differences are small, and only noticeable if you really pay attention. Some of them are major, and potentially life threatening.

People may feel affects from higher altitudes as low as 4000 ft above sea level. Usually by 6000 ft, they will experience more fatigue, and a greater potential for dehydration. This is also high enough to require some adjustment in baking, and a little more care in selecting produce.

High altitude is not a matter of saying, ” THIS altitude is high, and THIS is not.” It is a matter of degree. The affects tend to increase exponentially as altitude increases.

Altitude also affects individuals differently. People with existing health problems, or reduced fitness may feel effects at a much lower height than those who are more physically able.

Living at higher altitudes is different than visiting. When you live there, your body has time to completely adjust. When you visit, you need to make more compensations, but if you stay for more than a few weeks, your body will do it on its own for the most part.

Editorial Commentary

This website is now run by Isaac Mackenzie. Commentary by the previous owners has been left for archival purposes.Editorial Comments throughout this site written by Laura Wheeler (with occasional sarcastic remarks by her son, David). Laura is a 10 year resident of Medicine Bow, Wyoming, where the altitude is greater than the population. Medicine Bow is at 6200+ ft above sea level, and boasts a total of 297 residents from the last census. Laura is an experienced technical, health and family writer.

High Altitude Living ~ Daily Differences at Higher Altitudes, Recreation, Travel, Baking, and More