Health and the female diver

[Dive Bunnie]

There have been a few posts in the Male v Female issue section regarding health issues and women divers, that I feel should have a heading all of their own, so have created this board especially for that subject. ;D

There is an interesting article on the Divers Alert Network website regarding women and diving in general which may answer some of your initial questions.

[Dive Bunnie]

This message is specifically in response to the discussion regarding women over 40 and their susceptibility to pulmonary oedoema in relation to SCUBA diving.

I too am a woman of this age, so this news affects me as well.

These remarks were observations made by one of the dive doctors here in Sharm. As this chamber is one of the busiest in the Northern hemisphere, they get to see a broad spectrum of patients, so their observations are quite relevant.

I have taken a look at some of the on line articles regarding the subject, and it seems that it is something that can be caused by excessive stress, exertion and more specifically... cold water. All of which can come into play when SCUBA diving...the first two, in particular when you are first learning.

Ok we don't get cold water here, but that initial learning process for some people can be a very emotionally stressful time. Add this to the fact that sometimes people are performing a completely new kind of exercise.

I am waiting to hear back from DAN specifically regarding the issue of women over 40 and their lung health, and will post a message here as soon as I know anything further. From what Dr Ahmed has said, it might just simply be a case of the fact that these days, more and more women of this age are taking up things like diving, so that will affect the statistics. I personally have taught quite a few women who have had the marriage, had the children, lived their whole life thinking of and worrying for others, and now want to do that special something for themselves.

[rubydive247]

Oct 8, 2008 6:31:31 GMT Dive Bunnie said:

There is an interesting article on the Divers Alert Network website regarding women and diving in general which may answer some of your initial questions.

Very interesting article, answered a couple of questons for me. Thanks