| Salt Lake City |
 |
 |
| GER |
12 |
16 |
7 |
35 |
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| USA |
10 |
13 |
11 |
34 |
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| NOR |
11 |
7 |
6 |
24 |
|
| CAN |
6 |
3 |
8 |
17 |
|
| RUS |
6 |
6 |
4 |
16 |
|
| AUT |
2 |
4 |
10 |
16 |
|
| ITA |
4 |
4 |
4 |
12 |
|
| FRA |
4 |
5 |
2 |
11 |
|
| SUI |
3 |
2 |
6 |
11 |
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| NED |
3 |
5 |
0 |
8 |
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Mother Nature nips the unwary
By Lois M. Collins
Deseret News staff writer
Utahns are no strangers to winter cold or high altitude. They love how the sun sparkles on the snow.
But visitors beware — especially if you're coming to enjoy the Winter Games from a sea-level altitude.
Along with the flu and sprains, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee's team of volunteer doctors and nurses is apt to encounter cases of frostbite, altitude sickness and even, perhaps, sunburned eyes.
Besides that, the booklet SLOC sent ticket holders warns about dehydration. This is, after all, a desert. And right now it's a high-altitude, cold, shiny one.
The good news is it's almost all preventable if approached with a healthy dose of common sense.
The people most at risk for altitude sickness are those who travel from sea-level areas and sleep at the mountain resorts. People who stay in the cities and travel up the canyons for an event are not apt to have problems, said Dr. Colin K. Grissom, a critical care doctor at LDS Hospital and Soldier Hollow venue medical director.
"About 7,000 feet is where we start to see acute mountain sickness, the most common high-altitude illness," he said. "The most important factor is your sleeping altitude. As a rule, it's rare."
Acute mountain sickness shows up as headache, disturbed sleep, fatigue and nausea or dizziness.
Any kind of high-altitude sickness occurs in the first few days, and the best treatment is to get to a lower altitude or get supplemental oxygen. Rest and an analgesic for the headache will help people with mild cases. Some folks are so sensitive they simply have to leave.
Medical officials are convinced it won't be a major problem during the Games.
Frostbite's another story. Anyone can get it. But anyone can prevent it, too, simply by dressing right, avoiding tight-fitting boots (which increase the risk by cutting off circulation) and getting warmed up if fingers and toes, or ears or nose, start aching or going numb.
"If you dress appropriately, the risk of cold injury is almost nonexistent," Grissom said.
Frost nip is a superficial form. Any frost damage hurts before it becomes numb, and the body parts most vulnerable are the toes, fingers, ears and nose. Real frostbite includes discoloration, blisters and swelling. As the blood freezes, skin turns white and then goes grayish when it warms up. Blue blisters mean there's blood in them.
Staying dry is important, said Dr. Steven Joyce, clinical professor of emergency medicine at the University of Utah and venue medical officer for opening and closing ceremonies. "Things chill and freeze faster if they're wet."
Anyone with frostbite needs immediate medical attention, usually rapidly rewarming the affected area in 104-degree water. Hot water is a no-no.
Most of the people coming to the Games are winter sports enthusiasts, Joyce said. They know about dressing warmly. And even the outdoor venues have warming areas available.
The Moran Eye Center at the U. on Monday issued a special warning to spectators at mountain venues to watch out for sun damage to the eyes.
"Ultraviolet light from the sun is most intense at high altitudes and when reflected off bright surfaces like ski slopes," said Dr. Majid Moshirfar, associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the center. The UV rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The solution is simple and cheap: sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.
Long-term exposure to high levels of UV radiation may increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions.
The best sunglasses offer complete UV ray protection and wrap around to prevent rays from sneaking in.
E-MAIL: lois@desnews.com
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February 17, 2002
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