NCME Annual Meeting
2010 Annual Meeting and Training Sessions
April 29-May 3, 2010
Denver, CO, USA
Welcome to Denver, NCME!
Denver, Colorado, home of the Rockies, the Nuggets, the Broncos, small businesses and big industries, is a city composed of around 600,000 people with a beautiful skyline and a mountainous backdrop.
You are entering an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level with a thinner atmosphere than most are accustomed to and with less humidity than many cities in the US.
If you are planning to participate in the NCME Fitness Run/Walk on May 3, please see the high altitude tips below:
- DRINK WATER both before your trip to Denver, and while you are there. Drinking plenty of water is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to the higher altitude. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, like the desert, so you need about twice as much water here as you would drink at home. It is also recommended that you go easy on the alcohol in the mountains and in Denver, as its effects will feel stronger here. The effects of exercise are more intense here as well. If you normally run 10 miles a day at home, you might try 6 miles in Denver.
- There's 25 percent less protection from the sun, so sunscreen is a must.
- Eat foods high in potassium, such as; broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes, tomatoes.
- What to bring: Denver receives over 300 days of sunshine each year (more than San Diego or Miami). Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm... even in winter. There is 25% less protection from the sun's rays at Denver's 5,280 feet elevation.
- Weather: Two days before your trip to Denver, check into www.weather.com for the latest on weather and temperature. Please use this information to pack appropriately. Because Denver is closer to the sun, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the daytime, but then become very chilly after sundown, particularly in the Spring and Fall. It is best to layer your clothing.
- Altitude: Don't let anything you hear about the mile-high altitude scare you. The air is just thinner and dryer. In fact, many people with respiratory problems, including the Mayor, move to Denver for the benefits of the dry air. Just follow these simple tips and you will very likely not even notice the difference.