Climbing/Mountaineering Syndrome

Far Eastern University-Dr.Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation,Philippines

FEU-NRMF CLIMBERS

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CLIMBING/MOUNTAINEERING SYNDROME

I think a climber/mountaineer here in the Philippines is just another normal person who eats, sleeps and laughs. A climber sometimes calls himself a "weekend warrior" and a mountaineer an "environmental crusader". Here in our Institute, the term climber/mountaineer is sometimes unheard of. "Ahhhhhh...taong bundok" or one would say "Duuuuuuuuuuh?!".

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Climber Webmastah, FEU-NRMF

    Now the term climber/mountaineer has been defined. But how can you tell if someone you know has a "Climbing/Mountaineering Syndrome"?. For medical students or even doctors, this syndrome is unknown or even unheard. And the same person who said "Duuuuuuuuuuh?!" would even say "Huuuuuuuuuwaaaaaaaat?!".
Well here are the signs and symptoms.
     -he usually disappears from city life every weekend and holidays.
     -this person is usually in the state of denial. "Akooo? I'm just an ordinary outdoorsman who happens to love climbing mountains. I can stop anytime I want." (Please don't believe every word).
     -owns or maintains a list of mountains already conquered with complete itineraries and mountain infos. He usually keeps it under his bed or pillow for easy acccess before sleeping every night.

   -there is a noticeable change by the way he walks as if he's hiking along the trail. Pausing every few steps and gasping for air even though he's only heading towards the TV, his computer or door.
    -buys high-end hiking boots every few months.
    -he prefers corned beef, instant noodles and jelly-ace as his regular meal.
    -checks an outdoorshop everyday.
    -lastly and the most consistent, he greets every people with backpack with "Good morning/evening Sir/Ma'am! Ingat po sa pag-akyat/pagbaba." even in his office or school.

The cause of this syndrome is not yet fully known or understood. Maybe...just maybe this is due to overexposure to intoxicating physical activity and beautiful views or even from the nice people met along the trail. Lack of oxygen is out of the question, because here in the Philippines, the highest peak is only about 2930 meters above seal level. The signs and symptoms are already presented but as of the moment, there's no known cure. So...do you still want to climb? "Akooo? I'm just an ordinary outdoorsman who happens to love climbing mountains....".