Fitness and Health for Scuba

Both safety and comfort in scuba rely on observing some basic guidelines regarding safety and health.

Objectives Describe fitness for scuba. Identify components of an appropriate fitness program for scuba. Discuss health concerns for scuba. Explain why tobacco are contrinficated for smoking.

Fitness for Scuba Definition The ability to conduct the dive and have energy in reserve to deal with emergencies. –Environmental –Self –Buddy

Fitness for Scuba cont. Components of a fitness program –Muscular Strength –Muscular endurance –Cardiovascular fitness Exercise modalities –Stress the legs –Swimming? –Kicking with mask, snorkel and fins

Health for Scuba Healthy respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The ability to equalize the air spaces in and around your body.

Health for Scuba cont. Medical issues of concern –Diabetes Blood sugar episode in the water can lead to drowning. –History of seizure disorders Seizure in the water can lead to drowning –Pregnancy Not much info here Concerns regarding both the mother and the fetus

Health for Scuba cont. Medical issues of concern cont. Cardiovascular issues –Angina pectoris –Coronary Artery Disease –Myocardial Infarction

Health for Scuba cont. Medical issues of concern cont. Respiratory Issues –Asthma Exercise Induced Asthma is of special concern –Emphysema –Tuberculosis –Chronic Bronchitis –History of collapsed lung

Health for Scuba cont. Medical issues of concern cont. The common cold, earache, sinus issues –Do not dive while you have a cold, earache or sinus infection or congestion –Wait until symptom free for at least one week.

Health for Scuba cont. Alcohol –Dehydration –Altered mental state –Altered blood flow Tobacco –Adversely effects Blood pressure Heart function Lung elasticity circulation

Health for Scuba cont. Drugs –Pressure may cause unexpected side effects Over the counter Prescription Recreational

Concerns for Women That time of the month! –Dive if you feel comfortable –Don’t dive if you feel uncomfortable Decompression issues

To maximize your diving enjoyment and safety dive only when healthy and fit. Some conditions may keep you out of scuba permanently while others are only temporary. When in doubt stay out of the water!