What can you say about Seasickness?

The sport of yachting must have been invented by a Dutchman. According to a 1992 Forbes Magazine story on the America’s Cup competition, the word "yacht" comes from the Dutch verb "jacht." The translation means "to throw up violently."

Seasickness is caused when the minute inner ear organs that enable a human to balance are disturbed by the motion of the boat swaying and pitching. This movement sets off alarm signals to the brain causing nausea, headache, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting. This condition can be intensified by the lack of fresh air and inactivity. It can also be a person’s worst nightmare at sea.

Seasickness affects many people to varying degrees - even sailors with years of experience. Looking on the bright side, the body adapts after time.

Fortunately, several remedies can be taken before setting sail. Pills can be obtained over the counter which help most people by sedating the balancing organs. The pills can cause drowsiness and should be taken with care. Some people find special wrist bands effective. There are also stick-on patches that can be worn on the skin behind the ear, but these are obtained by doctor’s prescription only.

You can often avoid seasickness by staying busy and keeping your mind occupied by taking over the helm or any other activity that will keep you above decks. Look at the distant horizon rather than the water close at hand. Take deep breaths and drink plenty of water. The worst thing that a person can do is go below decks with no land or horizon to look at. Reading or staring at an object will assuredly bring on the affects of seasickness.

If you are seasick and can’t bear it anymore, lie down on your back with your eyes closed. This will greatly reduce the affects.

Bottom line - if your eyes see what your ears are feeling, you will certainly have a better chance of a great day sailing.

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