I just returned to the heat of the valley after spending 4 days in the cool pines. I was actually cold this morning-it was a chilly 50 degrees-I am now at home and it’s close to 110 and going up this week. AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Anyway, while exercising at 7200 feet is a bit taxing, I was in awe of how these wonderful bodies of ours adapt to such physical stresses such as altitude.
When you are at 7200 feet, the air is much thinner (less oxygen). Your body senses this and begins to adapt, producing more red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and within 16 hours the body has achieved homeostasis. What an incredible feat that it does, all without conscious effort. The body is such an incredible gift-is this the body you want to put garbage in (as in poor nutrition), or not invest a little activity in? I think not. Celebrate your physiological prowess, treat your body to good food, drink, and use it’s marvelous physical capacity-you only get one!
I just heard another salvo in the coffee wars-coffee appears to fight off Alzheimers and the study suggests that it may even cure the big A! Stay tuned.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.