What Should I Feel Living In A Cold Enviroment At High Altitude Anyone?

Question

We have gone from living in the tropics to high altitude and cold enviroment..Can anyone tell me what is normal to feel after a year at this new place?Whats normal ? We stay indoors alot because of the weather.. but can it still affect you when being inside?

Answer 1

First of all, there's the altitude. There is less oxygen at higher altitude, so you may feel out of breath or light-headed frequently until your body adjusts.

I also moved from the tropics to a northern climate, and this biggest difference that I noticed is the sunlight. There are no words to clearly describe how dark it's going to be. You're not going to be used to the shorter days or low sun angle, so I'd suggest replacing all of the light bulbs in your home with Reveal bulbs. (They reproduce natural sunlight better - to play a trick on you brain with your eyes.) If you still feel like you have cabin fever and can't stand it, go outside.

Another thing is the lack of humidity. When the heat is on, it's going to be as dry as a desert. Invest in good quality humidifiers for the bedrooms and family room. Also, you can have one added to the furnace system, but this isn't anywhere near enough.

Also, try not to stay indoors. You'll drive yourself stark raving mad. If you go to Landsend.com, take a look at their coats. The down-filled coats are especially warm and not too bulky (easy to move in.) Don't forget some snow boots that are comfortable to walk in.

Last but not least, there's the snow. Don't bother shoveling it, because it's just going to kill your back. If the area has a lot of snowfall, invest in a snow blower. Some cities (like Washington DC and Arlington VA) require you to shovel the sidewalk in front of your home. Just make sure to check with your neighbors. But if you don't have to shovel it, and it's going to an OK temperature in the next day or two, don't bother doing anything with it at all. It will melt on its own and you can easily drive over up to 4 inches of snow in a sedan (about 6 in an SUV.)

Other than that, just make sure you invest in lots of good hand and body lotion because being in heated places all day will dry your skin out terribly (and make it itch.)

Answer 2

Well, without further detail (approximate altitude above sea level and the hi-lo daily temp) I think that your red blood cell count goes up after abt 2 weeks to accomodate the higher altitude (here I'm thinking 5000 to 10000 feet above sea level).

If the daily temps are close to freezing all day 32 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus 10, then I'd say be cautious, but enjoy your new place. Don't confine yourself to your house; take up snow skiing or cross country and get a snowmobile (more expensive). If your daily temps are constantly subfreezing, then that's a greater challenge, but still I don't think you should feel you must be housebound.

In general lemons make good lemonade -- if that makes sense.

Answer 3

I've lived in a high altitude all my life but I have several friends who moved from lower areas. You'll get winded easier. Might suffer from dizziness or light-headedness since the air is thinner. You may gain weight since you're not used to the colder weather and need the insulation. It doesnt matter wether you are inside or outside. Welcome to the high altitudes!!!

Answer 4

You would find that you slow down, because there is less oxygen in the atmosphere. Look up "Altitude sickness".

Answer 5

cold and breathless
drink lots of water, that seems to help