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Keeping Your Stomach Shipshape

Many travelers—even seasoned sailors and astronauts can experience motion sickness or get "sea sick." This ailment is the body's natural response to an abnormal situation.

Normally, the brain, eyes, and body work together with the balance system deep in the ear to maintain your equilibrium. The rocking of a boat or other unsettling motion can disrupt this harmony. And, when this sensitive system can't keep up with provocative signals from the rest of the body and the environment around you, motion sickness develops.

The symptoms of motion sickness include lightheadedness, pale skin, cold sweats, nausea, headaches, and hyperventilation. "I've always heard the phrase "He was so sea sick he turned 'green' but I thought it was as exaggerate Well it's true! I watched my husband literally turn a "moss green" while we were on a 5-hour whale watching cruise in the Pacific during El Nino. What a lousy feeling. There wasn't anything I could do to help him. He had all those symptoms and more." (Jo Ann Taylor)

There are several steps you can take to minimize the chance of developing motion sickness during your trip:

Rest well before you travel. The more fatigued you are, the higher your risk of becoming ill.
Aboard ship, stay in the centerline of the boat near the middle of the boat to minimize movement. A boat's bow and stern (front and back) experience the most up-and-down motion. This vertical motion has the strongest effect on seasickness. On a plane, over the midsection by the wings is the most stable area of the craft.

Travel at night when you're less able to detect motion visually. During daylight, close your eyes or focus on the horizon.

Remain as still as possible and lie down when you feel queasy.

Get some fresh air—it works wonders. Open a window or increase the ventilation.
Don't eat greasy, rich or heavy foods. But do avoid traveling on a completely empty stomach.

If you are prone to motion sickness, you can take preventive medication before you travel. There are lots of "Mom's Remedies" available and a few over-the-counter effective treatments that may work for you:

Meclizine (Bonine is one common brand), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are all available without a prescription. Side effects include dry mouth and drowsiness—important considerations if you will be driving or diving.

Transderm Scop (scopolamine) patches, available by prescription, are worn behind the ear for up to three days.

Sea Bands are wristbands with pressure nubs that press against the inside of your wrist. For some people, these effectively stimulate acupressure points that prevent motion sickness.

Ginger is sometimes effective against motion sickness. Chew fresh gingerroot or take it in pill form.

If, in spite of your precautions, you develop motion sickness, you can try several remedies.

In most cases, stopping travel and resting (especially lying flat) works the best. (I know since I am Jo Ann's husband and that is the remedy I used).

Get plenty of fresh air.

Taking antinausea (antiemetic) drugs, such as promethazine (Phenergan) or trimethobenzamide (Tigan), will control the symptoms.

These are prescription medications that you should get before starting your journey.

Remember that the body can adapt to motion sickness. After several days at sea, you'll be able to tolerate the ship's movement much better.

As always, your healthcare professional is our best advisor about your health. Please talk with them and follow their directions and advice.

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