Stay Healthy in Park City's High Altitude Without Missing a Beat

Thanks in part to its altitude of 7,000 feet and above, Park City boasts some of the most majestic landscapes in Utah. This elevation not only delivers stunning views and incredible opportunities for recreation, but it can also create attitude sickness for some visitors. With the 2020 Sundance Film Festival upon us, it’s especially important for those visiting during this time to take precautions and seek treatment if needed. Festival goers, who primarily come from sea level can find it difficult to acclimate. Throw in partying, alcohol consumption, little rest, and not enough hydration, and you can end up having a less than stellar time. Luckily, there are plenty of precautions to take to avoid this elevated ailment and treatments to address it in the event altitude sickness strikes.  

Thanks to guidance from longtime Park City local Danielle Demeter, an expert Nurse Practitioner and founder of Demeter Medical Aesthetics, Inc, we’ve got the lowdown on how to stay healthy when you’re high up.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is a negative health effect where the body reacts to sudden exposure to low oxygen at high altitudes. Its initial symptoms are noticed around 6,000 feet above sea level. If one is susceptible, the higher he or she goes, the more severe the altitude sickness symptoms become. “This is common among stressed, tired, and often dehydrated travelers eager to jump start their mountain vacation. Those arriving from sea level are particularly vulnerable,” says Demeter.

What are Altitude Sickness Symptoms?

Symptoms can occur on the first day within hours of arrival. Some symptoms become progressively more severe at higher elevations. Be on the lookout for these signs of altitude sickness:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Shortness of breath

IV Treatments for Altitude Symptoms

When in Park City, relocating to a low elevation isn’t exactly a feasible solution for altitude sickness. Fortunately, Danielle Demeter provides an efficient, effective, and easily accessible treatment through her concierge IV services. IV treatments allow affected individuals to receive proper medication, vitamins, minerals, and hydration to help their bodies recover and fully acclimate. Oxygen treatments are available, too! “Most feel immediately better once the treatment begins. In less than an hour, most symptoms subside and patients are ready to eat, drink, ski, and carry on with their busy Sundance schedules. There is no need to miss a film or party, but be sure to balance the fun by staying hydrated and getting a decent amount of sleep,” she notes.

As a nurse practitioner for 16 years, Danielle is equipped to recognize exactly what her clients need to recuperate. “I also have the training to determine when symptoms are not altitude related that need to be treated at the hospital,” Danielle explains. Whether further medical attention is needed or prescriptions required, she is respected throughout the community for providing thoughtful, personalized, and professional concierge IV treatment services to Park City residents and guests alike.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness

When venturing to elevated altitudes, Danielle recommends following these simple steps to keep yourself healthy at altitude:

• Stay extremely hydrated
• Ease into your activities and take your time
• Avoid alcohol
• Consume plenty of light calories to maintain healthy blood sugar levels
• Give yourself a rest day upon arrival

Did you know IV treatments are an incredibly effective preventive measure against altitude sickness? Park City Drip offers a variety of formulas to alleviate hangovers, cold/flu, and sports muscle recovery. Contact Danielle Demeter at 435.565.1526 to make a fully customizable appointment. She will even come to you to administer treatment.