| “HEALTH
: GENERAL”
The
high altitude Tibetan terrain is dry, cold and windy.
Diurnal variations are large. Nights are cold and
windy. Heavy snow falls, torrential rains and strong
icy winds are common features - any time. Flooding
rivers and land slides are frequent. The altitude
averages above 3500 meters. The route covers many
high altitude passes. Oxygen is less at higher altitude.
The inclement weather and high altitude induces certain
illness generally not encountered over the plains.
Headache, Nausea, Lassitude, Breathlessness, General
uneasiness (malaise), irritability, light loss of
balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia
are a few. It is common to all, irrespective of the
age, sex and physical fitness. Rest, Relax - Do not
exert yourself. Do not be excited. Reduce talking,
walk slowly - adopt one third of your normal speed
& space, Keep your load light, walk 15 minutes
and rest for 5 minutes, light weight. warm clothing
and Boots would help reducing strain and burden. Never
let yourself into boredom, Boredom inducts fatigue,
mental abrasions and exhaustion.
Do not exercise Breathe slowly (never fast), Whenever
you feel uncomfortable, just stop, rest and relax.
Ignore the sudden outbursts of fellow pilgrims and
avoid arguments. Observe silence with smile. Remember
- never go too high too fast. Avoid smoking and alcohol
drugs or intoxicants. Consume plenty of liquids, never
proceed with an empty stomach.
Consult
your DOCTOR to assess the state of your health
to function safely within your limitations. Learn
the Do's and DON'TS from his advice. In addition to
the personal prescriptions by your physician, a First
Aid Kit is essential for the travel. Request your
Doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the
following: Fever, Body joints paints, Muscle Pulls,
Constipation, Chest Congestion, Stiffness, Acidity,
Stomach cramps, Loose motion, Sore eyes, Sneezing,
Dysentery, Nose blocks, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Swelling,
Indigestion, Cold & cough, Sore throat, Headache
etc.
In addition to medicines, your First Aid Kit must
contain the following: Vaseline, Toilet paper, Cotton,
Bandage roll, Nose inhalers, Dust cover (Surgeon's
mask), Cologne, Facial tissues, Rubber bands, Chopstick,
Cough drop, Body lotion Vicks, Eye masks, Band aid,
Mouth freshners, Dettol / Listerine (antiseptic),
Candle & lighter, Dark sunglasses, Small plastic
bags, Ear muffs.
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