A High Altitude Medicine class will be presented tonight Tuesday Oct. 27 and Thursday Oct. 29 from 7-9 pm by Dr. Steve Boyer, at the Mazamas Mountaineering Center in Portland, 527 SE 43rd Ave. Dr. Boyer is an emergency room physician and accomplished climber and athlete, including multiple high altitude expeditions. The information presented in this class should be helpful to climbers in maximizing their comfort and chances of successful ascents, and to physicians who advise them beforehand or accompany them on the climbs/expeditions.
The course is hosted by the Mazamas Expedition Committee to raise funds for the expedition grants administered by the committee. The cost for two evenings is $35 ($25 for members).
Evening 1: High Altitude Physiology and Pathology:
Barometric pressure, altitude zones, and the O-H dissociation curve.
Acclimatization = adjusting ventilation.
Weight loss: bringing hemoglobin closer to myoglobin.
The oxygen cascade and human performance, the AMREE experience.
Living high – training low. Why do East African runners do so well?
AMS, HACE, and HAPE.
Drug actions and side effects.
The eye and the ear at altitude.
Pre-existing disease: who can go to high altitude? Who shouldn’t?
Pregnancy at altitude.
Disease in altitude residents.
The future of high altitude research: molecular genetics.
Working for the Himalayan Rescue Association in Manang, Nepal.
Evening 2:
Problems Exacerbated by High Altitude:
Hypothermia
Cold injury
Sunburn
Concerns during the approach to high mountains of the world:
Sleep
Water purification
Diarrhea
Vaccinations
Common tropical diseases
Medical kits
Health insurance
For more info or to sign up: High Altitude Medicine class