Anytime you can get to altitude, it "helps", but you cannot make any assumptions that it will be a postive, or a negative. It seems that any time you go high, your body reacts in any number of strange and sometimes debilitating ways. As a long time climber, we basically were taught that the best way to acclimate was to be in the best possible condition you can be in before you go, demand of yourself that you monitor and stay hydrated, and pay attention to what your body is telling you. When hiking, listen to your body, and go at a pace that is steady, and doesn't put you into a gasping deficit! Drink, drink, and drink! I've also used aspirin with vayring degrees of success if you do get a headache. Sleep low if possible, and get an early start. I've done all these things and had success, and have done all these things and have lost my lunch (literally) Good luck and stay positive! Think of all the staggering hordes who make it to the summit regularly! wink wink!