Q&A for How to Climb a Mountain

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  • Question
    Are there any other medicines I should avoid taking if I am planning a high altitude climb?
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    Any medicine or over-the-counter products that might make you drowsy should be avoided. This includes sedatives, sleep aids, and narcotic-type pain meds.
  • Question
    How can I be adventurous?
    Community Answer
    Go camping with NO technology. Do all sorts of things like climbing, hiking, sailing, etc. It's just about finding what you love.
  • Question
    Are there official authentications for having summited a peak?
    Community Answer
    Yes, many national parks and governments give certificates for summiting certain peaks.
  • Question
    Why does a mountain climber need both mental and physical stamina?
    Community Answer
    Physical stamina is needed to conquer the physical difficulties of climbing a mountain, which can be a long, tiring process that involves all the body's muscles. Mental stamina is also needed to tackle the challenge and avoid fear, isolation and the feeling of giving up when the physical aspect becomes difficult.
  • Question
    Is this suitable for children?
    Community Answer
    Certain mountains are suitable, but make sure your child is fit and has no breathing problems. The height and altitude matters when considering a child.
  • Question
    How long does it take to be prepared to climb a mountain?
    Community Answer
    That depends on your current fitness level and the mountain you want to climb. If you're already pretty fit, it could take a few hours to prepare to climb Mt. Snowdon -- or years to get ready to climb Everest.
  • Question
    How do I choose a mountain to climb?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your location, budget and skill set.
  • Question
    Can I camp on a mountain when in the middle of a climb?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the mountain. On some mountains, there are camps set up along the way to the summit, and on others, there aren't. Just check with the rangers of the national park or the official website for information like that. If you want to stay safe, just don't. Some mountains can be dangerous in the dark.
  • Question
    How do I climb a mountain if my parents won't let me?
    Community Answer
    You'll need to get their permission. Safety is probably their number one concern, so make sure you have a responsible adult going with you and get that person to talk to them about all the safety precautions he or she will take.
  • Question
    Can I climb a mountain if I have chronic kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis?
    Community Answer
    Possibly, if you get a doctor's permission and are able to manage your health issues in a way that won't risk your safety on the climb. You should work closely with your doctor to develop a plan if you want to do this.
  • Question
    How long does it take to get to peak physical condition to climb the highest mountains if someone has poor fitness and no training?
    Community Answer
    It takes a while, even with hard work and resilience. That person will need to do months of endurance and strength work if they want to get to peak physical condition. You truly can't learn to run a marathon in a day. Same thing with climbs. If you're talking about yourself, a friend, etc., make sure that you are building up strength and learning to climb safely. That really is the priority.
  • Question
    Can I do mountaineering during my college life?
    Community Answer
    Of course! Gear can often be rented, reducing the cost of the trip. If you go for local mountains to reduce travel costs, it is totally possible to combine mountaineering with college life.
  • Question
    Can 10-year-olds climb?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely. The average ten-year-old would have no trouble on the average climb.
  • Question
    How much does it cost to climb a mountain?
    Gia
    Community Answer
    The cost is determined on the peak you intend to climb. If the peak you want to climb is between 2,000 and 3,000 meters high, it might cost you 45 dollars. It will cost 2,000 to 6,000 dollars to climb a mountain 4,000 to 5,000 meters high. If the mountain is 6,000 to 8,000 meters high, it might cost between $32,000 and 200,000 dollars.
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