How to Handle Carsickness

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Motion sickness happens when your inner ear tells your brain that you're in motion, but your eyes say you're not moving. Here's how to beat it.

Step 1: Prevent car sickness
Prevent carsickness if you are prone to motion sickness by using a scopolamine patch. Place it behind your ear 30 to 60 minutes before your trip. An antihistamine with dimenhydrinate is also effective, but could make you drowsy.

Tip
Take a ginger supplement or drink ginger ale as a natural alternative to prevents motion sickness.

Step 2: Sit in the front
Sit in the front seat if you are prone to carsickness, or better yet, drive.

Step 3: Look out at the horizon
Look at the horizon. Your eyes will register that you are moving without causing dizziness from looking at close objects whizzing by.

Step 4: Roll down the window
Roll down the window and get fresh air if you feel the onset of carsickness. Keep your head still, and don’t make any sudden movements.

Tip
Never read in the car.

Step 5: Eat crackers and drink a carbonated drink
Eat plain crackers and drink a clear, carbonated beverage to settle your stomach. Club soda or ginger ale is a good choice.

Tip
Avoid spicy and greasy food, alcohol, and cigarette smoke before and during a trip, which may exacerbate nausea.

Step 6: Carry sealable plastic bags
Carry sealable plastic bags while on a trip in case you need to suddenly empty your stomach.

Step 7: Take breaks
Take frequent breaks if you’re on a long trip or driving along a winding road. A rest stop each hour to stretch should help.

Did You Know?
Dogs get carsick, too, but in 95 percent of cases, it is stress related and not motion related.