At 1,626 meters (5,335 feet), those of you coming from sea level may find being in Albuquerque a slight physical challenge. The key to making your stay at this altitude safe and enjoyable is to be aware of your body’s reaction to the decrease in barometric pressure.

The high altitude can make it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen, to which the number of your red blood cells will increase in response. This beneficial effect is touted by Olympians, triathletes, and other extreme sportsmen who travel to Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Los Alamos each year from all over the world to train for competitions.

Although rare, serious symptoms of mountain sickness, which can occur at altitudes as low as 1,219 meters (4,000 feet) for some individuals, can include swelling in the brain and lungs. For the majority of people in reasonably good health, however, symptoms are usually mild. Symptoms can occur within six to twenty-four hours and can include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.

Following are a few precautions you can take while you are attending PAC07: