Coral Reef Travel

The Risks to Overweight Divers

It’s not uncommon to see obese divers; they are a reflection of the general lack of fitness among Americans. However, obesity doesn’t preclude a person from diving. Some of the most experienced and skillful divers I have known were significantly overweight. But obesity in a diver does lead to an increased risk of complications and health problems when diving. In fact, anyone who is 20 percent or more above their ideal body weight is disqualified from commercial, military or scientific diving in the United States. (more…)

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Sea Urchins, Stonefishes, Stingrays

Their Weapons:

Porcupines of the sea, urchin spines are like hypodermic needles that break off once deep inside you, injecting their venom. The venom from stonefish spines is delivered deep into the wound and produces excruciating pain that may last several days. Stingrays use one or more large spines or stings on their tails as defensive weapons. When you step on one, the ray thrusts its tail forward and upward, lacerating or puncturing your foot, ankle or leg. (more…)

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With the enormous increase in the number of women scuba divers in the past decade, questions have arisen concerning health issues specific to females. Unfortunately, most of the research on underwater human physiology has been conducted on male divers, leaving many of the questions pertaining to female physiology and diving unanswered. One of the most common: Is it safe to dive during menstruation? As with many diving-related health issues, the answer is “yes, but …” (more…)

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It seems odd in a way: Divers can be floating in millions of gallons of water, yet find themselves as parched as desert sands. Unfortunately, this predicament can have serious consequences for divers. There are several ways in which diving and the underwater environment contribute to dehydration. It is important to understand these factors and how to prevent or remedy them, since dehydration is thought to increase the risk for DCS. (more…)

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