How to Deal with Motion Sickness
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admin
Not everyone is a good traveler. For some, it is agony as they experience extreme discomfort caused by motion. The symptoms they manifest include dizziness, nausea, and cold sweats. This condition is known as motion or seasickness. What causes it, and are there measures that can be taken to deal with it?
What is Motion Sickness?
This is a feeling of illness that comes about as a result of the disturbance of the inner ear. Those who suffer from motion sickness experience this feeling when they travel by air, boat, car, or train.
It is believed that motion sickness is a result of conflict between what we see, for example, motion and what the inner ears sense: stillness. The mixed signals result in a feeling of dizziness and general illness.
How to Deal With Motion Sickness
- When Traveling by Car
You can minimize the chances of motion sickness by literally taking control of the vehicle. Evidence shows those who sit in the driver’s seat do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you must travel as a passenger, avoid reading, keep your eyes fixed on the horizon and ensure that there is a flow of fresh air in the vehicle.
- When Traveling by Air
Select a seat in a calm area; the middle of the aircraft is a good location because you will experience less motion there. A window seat also works as you can look outside. Turn the air vent to face you so that you can get a flow of cool air.
- When Traveling by Sea
A cabin in the middle of the ship will minimize motion. Close your eyes to dispel the dispute between vision and the inner ear. Alternatively, sit on the deck and focus on the horizon.
- What to Eat
It is recommended that you avoid rich spicy food before and during travel. It is also best to eat light, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid alcohol which speeds up dehydration. Dry crackers and sucking on a lozenge may also help to settle feelings of nausea.
Other Remedies for Motion Sickness include:
Ginger
An ancient cure, ginger has been found effective in combating nausea and some ingest it prior to sailing. You can either use fresh ginger or purchase it in tablet form.
Scopolamine Patch
This is a prescribed medication that comes in the form of a patch. It prevents nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness. The patch is placed behind the ears a few hours before travel and left in place for up to 3 days.
Antihistamines
These include Meclizine and Dimenhydrinate (marketed under the trade name Dramamine). These drugs effectively prevent the symptoms associated with motion sickness; however, the drawback is that they cause drowsiness.
The above shows that it is possible to beat motion sickness by planning ahead and taking preventive measures. Plan your diet, rest, and select a good seat and you will enjoy a trouble-free journey.…
How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
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admin
Flying as a means of travel has many advantages. After checking in for your flight, you can lean back and relax; there is no need to consult maps or navigate traffic to your destination. Upon boarding the aircraft, all meals and drinks are brought right to your seat without the need to queue.
However, even the most seasoned travelers are less than thrilled when they are confronted with long-haul flights, particularly if they are traveling economy class. Long-Haul flights can be cramped, uncomfortable, and boring. Here is how to survive a long-haul flight and arrive at your destination in optimum condition.
The Seat You Choose is of Utmost Importance
Key to surviving a long-haul flight is to secure an aisle seat. The advantage of an aisle seat is that it gives you the freedom to get up and move around as frequently as you wish without disturbing the passenger(s) next to you.
Check the airline seat map on their website to identify a suitable seat. When in doubt, consult ‘SeatGuru’ for a description of the seating area.
Getting up to walk the aisles and stretching your muscles is recommended on long flights. This is to get your blood circulating. This can prevent potential blood clots from forming.
To Attain Restful Sleep
Not everyone can fall asleep on a plane, however, there are certain measures you can take to aid relaxation and possibly help you to doze off. This will greatly improve your chances of surviving the long-haul flight and arriving refreshed at your destination.
An important accessory to have is a neck pillow which will cushion you and keep your head in place. The motion of a falling head is often what interrupts sleep. Noise canceling headphones are also invaluable. Covering the eyes with a mask will block out the light and aid sleep.
What to Wear
It is difficult to sleep if you are cold, and cabin temperatures are known for fluctuating from one extreme to another. Hence, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that does not fit too snugly, composed of layers. Warm socks will come in handy, as well as a large scarf which can double up as a pillow if need be.
What Should You Carry on Board?
Carry with you items that will help you get comfortable for the flight. A sanitizer to wipe down surfaces such as the seat belt, TV screen, seat Trays and other items will help you feel safe and secure. It is important to have prescription medication with you, as well as pain killers.
Airline cabins dry out the skin, therefore, a moisturizer will be useful. A toothbrush, toothpaste and comb will come in handy when you arrive at the other end.
Airline entertainment systems have been known to fail, therefore carry a back-up in the form of a book, e-reader, or downloaded games on your tablet to keep you amused.
Hydrate!
Cabin air lacks humidity with levels of 15-20% compared to humidity levels of 30-65% on the ground depending on where in the world we are. It is therefore good practice to begin hydrating even before you get on board. Carry an empty water bottle to refill during the journey. It is also advisable to limit your intake of alcoholic beverages to 1 or 2.
In addition to the above measures, you can survive a long-haul flight if you get on board with a positive attitude. View the flight as a much-needed break, that will enable you to catch your breath before the next adventure begins at your destination.…
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