## Who Should Not Do Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is not for everyone. There are some people who should not dive for medical or safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions, you should talk to your doctor before diving:
* **Heart disease**
* **Lung disease**
* **Asthma**
* **Epilepsy**
* **Diabetes**
* **Sickle cell anemia**
* **Pregnancy**
* **Recent surgery**
* **Alcohol or drug use**
**In addition, people who are not physically fit or who have poor balance or coordination should not dive.**
### Medical Conditions
There are a number of medical conditions that can make scuba diving dangerous. These include:
* **Heart disease:** Scuba diving can put a strain on the heart, so people with heart disease should not dive.
* **Lung disease:** Scuba diving requires healthy lungs, so people with lung disease should not dive.
* **Asthma:** Asthma can cause breathing problems, which can be dangerous when diving.
* **Epilepsy:** People with epilepsy should not dive, as they may have seizures while underwater.
* **Diabetes:** Diabetes can affect blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous when diving.
* **Sickle cell anemia:** Sickle cell anemia can cause blood clots, which can be fatal when diving.
* **Pregnancy:** Pregnant women should not dive, as the increased pressure can be harmful to the fetus.
* **Recent surgery:** People who have had recent surgery should not dive until they have fully recovered.
* **Alcohol or drug use:** Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and coordination, which can be dangerous when diving.
### Physical Fitness
Scuba diving requires a certain level of physical fitness. You need to be able to swim comfortably and to be able to carry your scuba gear. You also need to be able to maintain a neutral buoyancy underwater. People who are not physically fit or who have poor balance or coordination should not dive.
### Age
There is no minimum age for scuba diving, but most dive schools will not certify children under the age of 10. Children under the age of 12 should only dive with a certified adult diver.
### Other Considerations
In addition to the medical and physical requirements, there are a few other things to consider before diving. These include:
* **Fear of water:** If you are afraid of water, you should not dive.
* **Claustrophobia:** If you are claustrophobic, you should not dive.
* **Motion sickness:** If you are prone to motion sickness, you should take medication before diving.
* **Cold water:** If you are diving in cold water, you will need to wear a wetsuit or drysuit to stay warm.
Scuba diving can be a great way to explore the underwater world. However, it is important to be aware of the risks before you dive. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or a certified dive instructor.