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10 TIPS FOR EASY EQUALIZING
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Most divers are accustomed to thinking about maintaining fitness to dive, avoiding the bends and
minimizing the risks of marine life injuries. But all divers are also travelers and should be aware of
travel-related medical conditions.
DEHYDRATION:
What is it?
Depletion of water and other bodily fluids. Can impair body’s ability to carry out normal
functions.
Why does it affect travelers?
Whether traveling by car, bus, train, air, or boat, you may lack
convenient access to drinking water. Air travel is particularly dehydrating because the air on planes
is very dry.
What to do:
Prevent dehydration by bringing one or two bottles of water in your carry-on. While
traveling, check your urine. If it is dark, drink some fluids right away. If you notice extreme
thirst, lack of urination, withered skin, dizziness, or confusion, refrain from diving and seek
immediate medical care.
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT):
What is it?
When blood clots form in the body’s deep veins,
usually in the legs. Can lead to life-threatening conditions such
as pulmonary embolism or stroke.
Why does it affect travelers?
Long periods of inactivity
inhibit normal blood circulation.
What to do:
Whether you’re driving or flying, make sure to get
up and stretch your legs from time to time. If you know you
are at increased risk for DVT, wear compression socks and
consult with your doctor about taking clot-preventatives. See
DAN’s online
Health & Diving
library for more information.
FOODBORNE ILLNESS:
What is it?
When food incubates bacteria, transmits disease from person to person or animal
to human, or carries other toxins (as with poisonous fish). Can be fatal or cause life-threatening
symptoms in extreme cases.
Why does it affect travelers?
According to the CDC, travelers’ diarrhea is the most common
illness affecting travelers and may occur in up to 50 percent of international travelers. It often
results from consuming improperly handled food or untreated water.
What to do:
Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood as well as raw fruits and vegetables,
untreated water and ice cubes, and any food you suspect may have been prepared in unhygienic
conditions.