Joe Springfield offers some views about typical travel concerns. Our on board travel/medical enthusiast was trained at the University of Wyoming (BS), and spent many years in Cell Biology/ Pathology at the University of California, San Diego.


Please note that the information on these ship's doctor pages is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.





SEASICKNESS


Advice for cruise passengers on seasickness and common sense health guidelines and advice to make your cruise an even happier experience.
What is seasickness exactly? Well, let's find out.

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that is due to erratic stimulation to the brain from sensory receptors. Sounds too complicated? Stay with me!

Seasickness is prompted by constantly changing movement. Fluid in the ears' semicircular canals moves with the body's motion, and this stimulates receptors in various parts of the brain. Here we go!

Mixed signals may cause the brain to produce signals causing headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting – none of which are agreeable vacation companions. So - what to do?

The point is that it is much easier to avoid seasickness than to treat it once it has started.

Basic tips include not exerting yourself – you don't have to stay up to 2 am every morning – and avoiding excessive alcohol intake and smoking. Avoid small cramped spaces, and if you have a choice of cabin, and you think the seas will be rough, choose a cabin in the midsection of the vessel.

If you are caught off guard by discomfort brought on by motion sickness don't lock yourself up in your cabin. Get out on deck and swallow up all that fresh air - lots of slow, deep breaths. Some people claim that focusing your eyes on the horizon works wonders.

If you can't make it beyond your cabin door, avoid spicy or greasy foods, citrus juices and sodas. If nothing works, consult the ship's doctor.

Preventative medicines include antihistamines, phenergen and scopolamine.

If you do choose to go the prescription path, let your doctor or pharmacist know of any other medications being taken.

One of the natural alternatives is ginger root – a time-proven remedy for upset stomach, indigestion and cramps. The suggested dose is 1 capsule 3 times daily to relieve symptoms. Ginkgo is also excellent for chronic dizziness and lightheadedness. The recommendation is for 3 (40mg) capsules daily.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) found in brewer's yeast, rice husks, unrefined cereal grins, whole wheat, oatmeal, peanuts, organic meats, lean pork, most vegetables, bran and milk, can help combat motion sickness. 100mg B complex the night before your journey begins can work wonders.

And finally, there are wristbands in the market which claim to relieve motion sickness.

The band has a small protuberance to be pressed into underside of wrist at the pressure point being tied to the stomach area.

If you're not sure about your susceptibility to seasickness, here's something to try before you leave port. Read a few pages of your favourite book in a moving car. If you have no problem with discomfort, chances are you should have no problem at sea. 
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