Nursing Beyond the Vital SignsNursing Beyond the Vital Signs


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Nursing Beyond the Vital Signs

Nursing is so much more than simply popping a thermometer in a patient's mouth or recording a blood pressure. In my time as a nurse, I have participated in life saving efforts when time was critical, I have held a mother's hands when her newborn baby was being prepped for surgery, and I have looked into the terrified eyes of an elderly person in pain. Nurses literally go into battle, serving in military operations all over the world. They also learn and implement the latest in medical technology. This blog is to highlight nurses and prove that they deserve respect and appreciation for all that they do.

Tips To Prevent Altitude Sickness Or Recover Quickly If You Get It

Are you planning on going into the mountains or any other kind of destination that's at a high elevation? If you will be outdoors for some time or on a trek that could last for a while, you may want to take steps to help prevent altitude sickness and take additional measures to make sure you are prepared to treat this aliment if you do encounter a problem. To that end, here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to altitude sickness.

Stay Away From Coffee and Beer Before You Set Out

Caffeine and alcohol are not good choices to put into your body if you know you will be at a high altitude in the next 24 to 48 hours. These substances can heighten or worsen the effects of altitude sickness and help to cut your next adventure short. Save the cup of Joe or cold brew to use as a reward when you finish your outdoor adventure and make it back to a coffee shop or the nearest bar.

Hydrate and Then Hydrate Some More

Dehydration is a common problem when exerting yourself at high altitude. To combat this, you will want to be properly hydrated before your outdoor trek begins, so make sure you take plenty of water with you to stay properly hydrated while your adventure is in progress.

Take Supplemental Oxygen or Contact an Altitude Sickness Oxygen Provider When You Get Back

Have you ever watched a professional sports game in a place like Denver or another city that is known to be at a high elevation? You might see some of the athletes getting oxygen treatment on the sidelines in between plays. This is because supplemental oxygen is a great way to combat or prevent the fatigue that can set in earlier than normal due to high elevation. If you start to feel fatigued or develop a headache, this could be an early warning sign of altitude sickness. You can slow the progress of the sickness or stop it entirely by taking a break and taking some supplemental oxygen from an altitude sickness oxygen provider. If you already have altitude sickness, get to a lower elevation and contact an oxygen provider to schedule an immediate appointment. Oxygen treatment can help you recover much faster from your sickness and might even allow you to get back out there and try again, this time with more caution.

For more information on how to use altitude sickness oxygen, contact a professional near you.