Saturday, May 28, 2011

Health Tips for May 28

Health Tip: Prevent Motion Sickness

Motion sickness can quickly spoil that long-awaited vacation or business trip. The inner-ear disorder affects balance and equilibrium, possibly leading to queasiness, nausea and vomiting.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests these tips for preventing motion sickness:

  • If you're prone to motion sickness, don't read in a moving vehicle.
  • Be sure to get plenty of sleep before traveling.
  • Skip foods that are acidic or greasy.
  • Drink lots of water throughout the day, but restrict drinking alcohol.
  • Avoid smoking and inhaling second-hand smoke, and close contact with other people who have motion sickness.
  • Lean your head back against the head rest of your seat.
  • If you're a car passenger, look at the scenery in the distance. If you're the driver, always focus on the road, but shift your eyes a bit so that you're not always focused on the same spot.

Health Tip: Taking a Cruise?

Each year, millions of passengers embark from North American ports on cruise vacations.

Traveling on cruise ships exposes passengers to contained quarters and lots of other people. This means conditions may be ripe for transmission of germs, either from contaminated food or water, or more commonly through person-to- person contact.

The National Center for Environmental Health suggests these tips to help prevent the spread of illness:

  • Wash your hands -- before and after eating or smoking; after touching your face or going to the bathroom, and when your hands are simply dirty.
  • Leave the area if you see someone get sick (vomiting or diarrhea). Report the problem to cruise staff, if they haven't already been notified.
  • Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Resting helps rebuild your immune system. Drinking water helps prevents dehydration.
  • Be considerate of other people's health. If you're ill before taking a cruise, call the cruise line to determine if you can reschedule, and if there are alternatives to losing your deposit or fare.

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