Living in a Colorado Springs Real Estate is breath taking just like in any other high altitude areas and can be a memorable experience. Colorado Springs’ altitude is 6,035 feet, and driving just a few miles west or north may mean an increase of several thousand feet since many Colorado highways are 8,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level.

At such a high altitude, less oxygen in the air might affect your body. The higher you go, the more pronounced those changes are. However, the effects vary from person to person. The first days of a longer stay in general include nausea, headaches, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, fatigue, air hunger or unusual tiredness. Some may find it hard to concentrate and have trouble sleeping at night. The dryness of the air might also cause you to be thirsty.

Altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitude. As altitude increases, the air becomes "thinner", which means less oxygen is in the atmosphere. Everyone can experience mountain sickness, but it may be more severe in people who have heart or lung problems. Therefore if you have a history of heart, circulatory or lung disease, it is vital that you check with your doctor before you go to a high altitude. Meanwhile, the effects are not serious if you have no problems at all.

The problems associated for healthy people with altitude sickness should disappear as the body adjusts to the air. In order to compensate for the reduced oxygen, the body has to manufacture more red blood cells. This process could take anywhere from three days to three weeks, depending on age and health. However, it is a good idea to check with a doctor if you plan strenuous exercise at high altitude.

There are things need to be done to lessen the effects of high altitude sickness:

1. Avoid strenuous activity for the first day or two; get plenty of rest.

2. Drink plenty of water.

3. Eat high carbohydrate meals, limiting fat and protein, for the first few days at a high altitude.

4. Beware of drinking alcohol, because its effect is magnified at higher altitudes.

5. Keep in mind that the effects of smoking and tranquilizers can be dangerously heightened by altitude.

6. Take it easy! Your heart is working harder at high altitudes, so quit while you’re ahead if you are tired.

7. Climbers and hikers should pace themselves so that the change in altitude will be more gradual.

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent or treat altitude sickness.

Additional tips:

Wear sunscreen – you receive 30% more ultraviolet radiation up here than at sea level. Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection even on cloudy or snowy days. Your eyes can actually get "snow burn".

In winter, keep warm and dry, and be sure clothes are not too tight or cutting off your circulation.

In summer, always take along a light jacket or sweater – you never know when it’s going to get cool.

The city was originally intended for just such a purpose: a resort community and TB sanitarium. As for the health effects, you will get 20 different opinions on this issue every single time. The bottom line is everyone is different and will be affected in different ways. If you finally decide to consider purchasing Colorado Springs homes for sale, visit a local specialist first and have yourself examined upon arrival and see what the doctor has to say. Enjoy yourself, but use good sense.