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However, when there is unintentional movement of the body, as occurs when you are on a boat, the inner ear senses motion, but the eyes cannot tell the movement. The brain is not coordinating the input and there is thought to be discoordination or conflict among the input from the three pathways. This conflict is responsible for motion sickness. Motion sickness is a common problem in people traveling by car, train, airplanes and especially boats. It can also occur while moving on amusement park rides. Motion sickness can start suddenly with a queasy feeling and cold sweats until it progresses to nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Typically, the more a person travels, the more he can adjust to being in motion. If a person is prone to motion sickness, he/she can stop it from happening by planning ahead of time. When traveling, reserve seats where motion is at the least: • CAR – drive or sit in the front passenger seat;• TRAIN – reserve a seat next to a window near the front. Always choose a seat that’s facing forward;• SHIP – request a cabin in the middle or at the front of the ship. The upper deck is also a recommended area; and• PLANE – reserve a seat in the front area and then direct the air conditioning at your face. Tips on how to avoid motion sickness: • Focus on the horizon or a distant stationary object instead of trying to read or look at something in the vehicle.• Keep your head still while resting against a seat back.• Avoid smoking or sitting near smokers.• Avoid greasy food, spicy food, and alcohol.• Take an over-the-counter antihistamine or a medicine that has dimenhydrinate at least 30 to 60 minutes before travelling. Expect drowsiness as a side effect.• Eat crackers or drink carbonated beverage to settle your stomach. • Consider using a prescription scopolamine patch. Apply this behind your ears to prevent motion sickness. Talk to your doctor before using this patch if you have health problems such as asthma, glaucoma or urine retention. ---Artwork from the Internet. |
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