1. Medical By Adam and Yankees

2. Snow blindness Normally is a keratitis, caused by unprotected eyes to the ultraviolet rays from the sun reflected from the snow or ice. This is especially or problem in the polar region at high altitudes. This disease is also related to arc eye sometimes experienced by welders. Snow blindness is akin to sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva. Prevention: 100 % UV absorption. Large glasses or lens that fit close to your face. 5 – 10 % visible light seen. Fashion emergency goggles cut slits in dark fabric or tape folded back over. Treatment: Avoid rubbing eyes and remove contact lenses. Use an oral pain indicator. Wear sunglasses outside until symptoms completely disappear

3. HACE High altitude cerebral edema or HACE is a severe form of altitude sickness. HACE is the result of swelling of brain tissue from fluid leakage. Symptoms can include headache, loss of coordination (ataxia), weakness, and decreasing levels of consciousness including disorientation, loss of memory, hallucinations, irrational behavior, and coma.

4. Ams Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include lack of energy, loss of appetite, mild headache, nausea, and dizziness, shortness of breath, lassitude and disturbed sleep. These symptoms generally resolve over 24 - 48 hours at a given altitude, and more quickly if one descends. Diamox (a mild diuretic which acidifies the blood) 125 mg. taken twice a day may be used by those individuals who suffer repeatedly with unpleasant symptoms despite a slow ascent. This+ prescription medication should only be taken until maximum altitude is attained or for 3-5 days, whichever is less. Diamox can be started a day before your trip. I suggest half a tablet (60 mg) taken twice a day may prove just as effective as the full dosage of 125 mg. Victims experiencing moderate mountain sickness involving severe headache, nausea and vomiting need to descend immediately.

5. Hyperthermia and frostbite WHAT CAUSES FROSTBITE TO OCCUR? Frostbite is caused by exposure of the body to cold. Several factors can contribute to its development including: length of exposure to cold temperature wind chill factor humidity in the air wetness of clothing, shoes, skin and hair ingestion of alcohol and other drugs high altitude WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF FROSTBITE? The first symptom is a “pins and needles” felling. Other symptoms include swelling, itching, burning, and deep pain as the area is warmed. Usually, these symptoms disappear as warming occurs, but the skin may appear red for several hours. In more severe cases, the frostbitten skin will appear waxy looking with a white, grayish-yellow or grayish-blue color. The affected part(s) will be numb. The tissue will feel frozen or "wooden" to touch. More severe frostbite will result in blisters filled with clear or milky fluid. This means it a very serious condition. Very severe frostbite may cause gangrene (blackened, dead tissue), and damage to deep structures such as tendons, muscles, nerves, and bone, with resultant loss of tissue.

6. Hypothermia and frostbite continued CAN I TREAT THE FROSTBITE MYSELF? Have your injury re-warmed under medical supervision, if possible. Get to a warm place where you can stay warm after thawing. Rest the injured areas (avoid walking on frostbitten feet, etc.). Use water 100°F - 38°C (should be warm to the touch - not hot) for 30 to 45 minutes until a good color (flush) has returned to the entire area. This process may be painful, especially the final ten minutes. Leave the blisters intact. Cover with a sterile or clean covering if protection is needed to prevent rupturing. Keep the affected part(s) as clean as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Elevate the area above the level of the heart. Make sure your tetanus booster is within 10 years.