Do you live or plan to relocate in Bend? Bend is a beautiful city located in the Oregon State’s high desert region. Due to its location, the city enjoys higher elevations than many of the areas in the surrounding region. Elevated locations like Bend may have a variety of effects on individual and community health. In this article, we will take a look at how elevation in Bend can impact overall health and well-being.
How Elevation Levels Affect Health
Higher elevation locations like Bend present unique environmental conditions that can have implications for health. The main factor for these conditions is the decreased oxygen concentration in the air at elevated locations. This decrease in oxygen levels can cause a variety of health issues for persons relocating to higher locations. Some of the most common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Over time, the reduction in oxygen concentration can cause chronic illnesses such as hypoxia, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even certain types of cancer.
Additionally, the naturally dryer climate at higher elevations like Bend can exacerbate symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. All of these health impacts can negatively influence individual and community well-being.
Bend’s Elevation and Health Outcomes
Bend’s elevation could also impact its local residents’ health patterns. In a 2015 study, it was discovered that adults born in higher elevation areas like Bend had much lower rates of obesity when compared to those born in lower elevation areas. It was theorized that those born in high elevation areas were more likely to adapt to never having enough oxygen in their blood, which made them more efficient at using the oxygen around them.Over generations, those born in higher elevation areas adapted to produce less endorphins, a hormone known to promote obesity. As a result, areas like Bend have lower rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders when compared to lower elevation areas.
How to Adapt to Higher Elevations
Individuals can take measures to adapt and thrive in higher elevation areas like Bend. For those moving to higher elevation areas, it is recommended to hydrate more than usual, avoid excessive alcohol and medication use, and take time to adjust to the changing oxygen levels. Residents in higher elevation areas like Bend are also encouraged to practice good cardiovascular exercise habits, eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, and monitor their blood pressure on a regular basis to stay healthy.
Conclusion
Elevated locations like Bend can have a variety of impacts on individual and community health. The main factor is the reduced oxygen concentration in the air, causing individuals to experience symptoms of increasing altitude. Additionally, those in higher elevation areas like Bend may have different health patterns than those in lower elevation areas. Residents moving to higher elevation areas like Bend can take measures to adapt and thrive in their new environment. By promoting good health habits, individuals and the community can take steps to ensure that they are as healthy as possible, even in elevated locations.
