| Wellness |
MAY , 2021 | THE HEALTH
27
Diving for health
Besides experiencing a whole new world underwater , scuba diving offers a great deal of health benefits
WITH the increase in disposable income over the years , more and more people are seeking activities that create memories that not only last a lifetime , but at the same time drives a healthy agenda too .
This is why scuba diving has increased in popularity over the years . Want to know how diving into a whole new world beneath the surface opens up a great deal of health benefits for you ? Read on !
At first glance , is scuba diving an extreme sport and isn ’ t suited for many ? That ’ s a common misconception .
In reality , you don ’ t need to be an athlete to dive . However a basic level of fitness is required to ensure that you are comfortable while diving . The best thing is , the more you do it , the more health benefits you ’ ll reap .
Health benefits of scuba diving
• Promotes physical fitness The Professional Association of Diving Instructors ( PADI ) estimates that a leisurely boat dive in warm , tropical waters burns approximately 300 calories an hour , equivalent to hiking or a brisk walk .
You will find that scuba diving is an effective way of gaining fitness and losing weight . Requiring you to swim throughout the duration of the dive ( usually 45 minutes ) leads to increased breathing and heart rate during this full body workout . Long term diving will keep muscles toned and increase your strength and endurance .
Staying underwater for a prolonged period also promotes the burning of calories as the body works harder to keep it warm . The human body ’ s core internal temperature is approximately 37 ° C .
When the internal temperature rises or in the case of in-water activities , falls , the body tries to adjust by using internal mechanisms to return the core temperature to homeostasis . The effect is analogous to heating a cold house in winter — you can do it by lighting a fire or turning up the thermostat on the central heating , but this burns more fuel .
Another common misconception is that the weight of the tank would hinder individuals with physical limitations who want to dive . The weight of the tank is close to nil when in water due to the buoyancy force from water .
Adaptive methods can be applied to suit the needs of different students and divers . When in water , scuba diving is low impact by nature – making it perfect for individuals with joint and ligament issues .
• Lowers blood pressure Scuba diving is generally a very relaxing and calming activity . The lower temperature of water physically calms the body and blood vessels , which in turn lowers the heart rate and blood pressure . Prolonged calmness will reduce stress and help in promoting mental and emotional wellness .
• Improves mental health A student once told me , “ When I learn to dive , I relearn how to breathe . This is something that I ’ ve never paid any attention to ”.
The most important rule of scuba diving is to never hold your breath . And because of that , one of the first things you learn when taking your scuba diving course is to relearn how to breathe mindfully .
Being mindful of your breathing is the most basic form of meditation . The simple act of conscious breathing creates more awareness of your body and mind . Over time , this practice will help control anxiety , reduce age-related memory loss , fight addiction , calm the mind as well as promote emotional health and self-awareness .
Practicing deep breathing will help strengthen the core , increasing stamina , boosting the immune system and increase mindfulness .
• Healing effects of salt water and sunlight Due to today ’ s increasingly sedentary lifestyle , people spend significantly more time indoors . The lack of going outdoors
BY MELANIE HWA
causes a deficiency of Vitamin D which is important to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body .
These nutrients are needed to keep bones , teeth and muscles healthy . A lack of Vitamin D can lead to bone deformities .
Scuba diving encourages you to soak in the goodness of the sun and sea . Being exposed to the sun encourages your skin to produce Vitamin D from cholesterol . When the sun ’ s Ultraviolet B ( UVB ) rays hit cholesterol in skin cells , it provides the energy for Vitamin D synthesis to occur naturally .
• Connection with nature Growing up in a concrete jungle has created a disconnect for humans from the natural environment . The disconnection from nature can have a negative impact on humans , causing us to feel less curious , less caring , and eventually less responsible to protect this environment .
Scuba diving exposes us to the beauty of nature which in turn increases our appreciation and respect for nature . Seeing with our own eyes what the amazing creatures are able to do , creates a connection and appreciation for these creatures .
Scuba diving also brings us to paradisiacal places which people often do not visit . The inborn need and curiosity for humans to explore drives a sense of wholesomeness and appreciation for the life we have on Earth .
• Life-long friendships Sharing a common passion for something is the best way to start a long-lasting friendship regardless of the differences in culture and background . And if one is lucky enough to share a lifelong memory or experience , this becomes a sacred bond that binds a friendship .
Do not worry about starting your scuba diving journey alone . You will meet friends along the way , some of whom will become your friend for a lifetime .
Is it safe to scuba dive during the pandemic ?
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has said Covid-19 does not transmit through bodies of water such as pools , ponds or oceans . In fact , the WHO has released multiple statements stating that Covid-19 does not transmit through water .
However , WHO cautions to practice physical distancing whenever above water to avoid infection . This is why we should practice strict compliance with a comprehensive SOP at reliable dive centers to ensure the safety of everyone .
Outdoor pools are preferred to ensure good ventilation , reducing the likelihood of the virus spreading and lingering in the air . It is also best for the PH levels of the chlorinated pool to be checked every hour to ensure it is safe for divers .
All divers must rinse before and after entering the pool to ensure they are clean . There must also be good physical distancing between each student and instructor whenever above water . Scuba diving gears must be disinfected and sanitised after every use to ensure they are safe for the next person .
So , what are you waiting for ? With international borders mostly closed due to Covid-19 , now is the best time for you to take up your PADI Scuba diving licence and explore the beauty beneath the sea levels of our very own Malaysian waters ! — The Health
Melanie Hwa is the Founder and Instructor at Flow Dive Center in Petaling Jaya . She strives to spread the word about the beauty and benefits of scuba diving to everyone !