|
|
|
It’s Not Easy Being Green
Tips to help stop seasickness before it stops you
Print This Article
|
Email This Article
There’s an old saying among boaters: “If you’ve never been seasick, you just haven’t cruised long enough.”
Seasickness occurs when the eyes and the sensory organs for balance in the inner ears send different messages about movement to the brain.
Symptoms of that unpleasant yet familiar feeling can include nausea, vomiting, a general feeling of discomfort, pallor and cold sweats. Other changes, often less apparent to the victim, include fluctuations in blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration and blood sugar level.
Temporary relief may be found through over-the-counter or prescription drugs; however, boaters with certain health problems may not be able to use these types of medication.
The good news is there are ways to combat seasickness without pills or patches. Try these tips:
*Don’t cruise on an empty stomach, but avoid heavy foods. Eat something light, such as toast, before your trip.
* Avoid alcohol. It affects your inner ear and will make you sicker.
* Try to stay in the middle of the boat where there’s the least motion.
* Avoid going below deck where everything looks static to the eyes.
* Try to anticipate the motion of the boat and keep your eyes on the horizon or the land.
* Take over the helm for a while. Or, move around the boat -- it will help you adapt to the boat’s motion.
*Don’t read, play cards or do anything else that fixes the eyes.
*Don’t smoke or wear perfume. The fumes may induce feelings of nausea.
|
This article first appeared in the June 1, 1998 issue of GoBoating Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
|
|
|
|
