It was a Tuesday morning like any other. We were waiting for our Advanced Calculus lecture to commence. Mr. Silverberg, our professor, was rarely late. That Tuesday he was. Soon the students started leaving and some of us hung back to find out what was up. Quite naturally we were concerned because we happened to be quite fond of him. Later we went to our course coordinator to ask after Mr. Silverberg.
The coordinator had himself gotten the news just minutes before we visited him that Mr. Silverberg decided to turn his morning walk into a morning hike today. He drove up to the Three Rivers Hiking Trail without letting his family know about the whereabouts. What we did not know is that Mr. Silverberg had a heart condition and he suffered from an angina attack in the thicket of trees. He lay there out of breath and too weak to move until another hiker found him. The hiker contacted the ambulance service and stayed with him until they got to the hospital and his family arrived.
The paramedics told him that he was in luck that the other guy found him since he could have expired or sustained heavy damage to his already compromised heart tissue health if he had not received immediate medical care.
Naturally, we were all very concerned and I went into a thought wormhole about the quality of life a heart patient can afford. As an avid hiker myself, I was thrown to think what would happen if I were to abandon this activity should I develop a heart condition like Mr. Silverberg in middle age. My mother, also fond of a good hike, was recently diagnosed with a minor heart arrhythmia. This sent me into a research frenzy and I found out some interesting details.
As it turns out, the internet is a commodity that has further improved life in this regard as well. Staying connected is something that can help a lot of hikers. CenturyLink Internet is present in almost all the states ensuring safe passage for all hikers out there venturing.
Important Considerations for People with Heart Conditions While Hiking
I found out that you do not necessarily have to let go of hiking as a person who has developed an acute heart condition, however, there are important considerations. Chief of which are remembering not to over-exert themselves and to take frequent breaks while staying hydrated.
Now moving on to why internet availability is a big piece of the puzzle while maintaining your hobby while managing an affliction of one of the most vital organs. Here is how:
The Heart of the Matter : Remote Monitoring Devices
Adopting a wearable heart rate monitor for the wrist or the chest is imperative while in the wilderness. These devices, track your vital data that can raise alarms when you are in the woods, figuratively speaking. This data includes heart rate, ECG information, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and most importantly your GPS connection. You can call them your lifelines because that’s what they truly are. This information can be transmitted to your cardiologist or emergency respondents in real-time and any anomalies can be addressed on priority.
The Challenge of Connectivity in the Wilderness
As discussed before, hiking along with all other adventure sports takes you deep into the woods or into treacherous terrains. These areas normally have little to no cell service. To be able to transmit your vital data to your physician actively and to call for help in case of emergency, heart patients must have a satellite internet connection.
Integrating Healthcare Devices Apps for Hiking
For an improved hiking experience, many hiking apps can be integrated with your medical monitoring device and offer comprehensive solutions with the availability of an internet connection. This function can not only help you share real-time data about your health and offer relevant insights about trail difficulty, maps, GPS tracking of the patient, and weather forecasts.
Choosing the Right Plan
Deciding which plan to purchase is crucial. There is a variety of sizes and configurations. You have to consider factors like data caps and monthly caps. Your plan depends on how often you go hiking.
Challenges and Implications
The perks and quirks of satellite internet go hand-in-hand. Chief of these quirks is the latency causing delays in data transmission. This latency is defined by the distance between Earth and the satellite. However, this delay is a small disadvantage when put in comparison with the advantages satellite networks offer specifically in the regard of outdoor sport for patients with ailments of the heart.
Another challenge is of the cost of a satellite connection including equipment installation like a satellite dish and modem in addition to the monthly cost. In my opinion, this is a small price to pay for your well-being and can prove to be a worthwhile investment.
Embracing the Wilderness with Confidence
Satellite internet brings about incredible possibilities for patients who crave adventure, thereby not letting them compromise on their quality of life. This helps in the mental well-being of the patient when they do not let an affliction define their lives.
Because of the wonder that is satellite internet, heart patients can now explore the great outdoors with the right data plan, the equipment, and the knowledge of how to use it.
So, if you find yourself in Mr. Silverberg’s spontaneous shoes with a thirst for nature and exploration, you do not have to hold yourself back because of a pre-existing heart condition. Embark on your next adventure while staying safe, healthy, and connected.
