Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that some persons experience on shipboard. It results from random and multidirectional movement of the ship.

Symptoms: The symptoms of seasickness includes; confusion, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. The beginning of these symptoms is usually abrupt, and the symptoms increase in intensity as seas become higher and rougher. Seasickness usually disappears (even without treatment) within a few days or as soon as the person has become accustomed to the motion of the ship or when calm water or land is reached.

Cause: Seasickness is believed to result from the reaction of the body's inner ear balance system to the unfamiliar motion of the ship. The movement of the ship causes stress on the balancing portion of the brain. Your brain sees things on the ship such as walls and furniture and instinctively knows from past experience that they are supposed to be still. However, since these items are actually moving with the sea and the ship, the inner ear gets stressed and confused and nausea sets in.

Prevent of Seasickness:

• Stay busy to avoid seasickness, walking around the ship is a good way to keep your mind occupied.
• Staying near the center of the ship serves to reduce motion.
• Avoid reading or seating on a slouching position.
• A conscious attempt should be made to keep the eyes open and to adapt to the shifting horizon.
• Take deep breaths, and when you feel nauseous breath using your mouth.
• When on deck, take a position facing forward rather than to the side, this seems to help most people.
• Don't eat too much; just eat enough to keep your energy. Being full will make you feel nauseous.
• Finally one should let the body hang loose and adapt to the ships motion intense of becoming tense.

Remedies for Seasickness:

• Over the counter or prescribed drugs such as antihistamines, parasympathetic depressants, and sedatives are often successful in preventing attacks of seasickness if taken 1 hour before the ship sails. These drugs also come in a non-drowsy formula.
• Scopolamine patches are the most common prescription drugs for seasickness. This patch is worn behind the ear like a tiny band-aid and its effect can last up to 3 days. This also comes in pill form.
• Oranges and lemon, these fruits can help prevent nausea. Even just the scent of the rind of these fruits can make you feel relax.
• Ginger ale (real one)or in capsule form, this is less effective than drug remedy, but the side effects of ginger ale are less than those of drugs.

Note: Different remedies works better for different people, you may want to try different remedy to determine which one is best for your case. If you are currently under any medication it is important to seek you doctor's advise on the kind of seasickness remedy that will not interfere with your current medication.

Planning your trip: Schedule your trip on a season or month when the waters are calm. Choose a bigger ship, because the bigger the ship the less it will rock.