THE “BAD SAILOR”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19953, 10 November 1934, Page 20

THE “BAD SAILOR”

“Sea travel has its drawbacks for some people, for sea-sickness, although it causes only a temporary disturbance, is a most depressing ailment. ‘A degrading illness,’ I once heard a woman call it. And I think she is right,” says an English writer. “Certain lucky folk never suffer from it. Red-haired people, for instance, are said never to be sea-sick. As a rule, women suffer more than men, while very young and very old people often escape. The duration of the attack varies considerably. “The best plan for people with a tendency to sea-sickness is to take preventive measures. A few days beforehand, pay careful attention to the general health and keep the diet low. Three hours before going on board, have a plain but substantial meal. When on board, have your deck chair taken to a place as near the centre of the boat as possible. Breathe deeply. If nausea is experienced suck a lemon or eat a dry biscuit very slowly. If the nausea persists drink a cup of tea, which will probably bring relief. If actually sick, suck small pieces of ice—this is usually available on board. Sodawater also may be tried, but no drugs should be taken except under a doctor’s orders. Make determined efforts to get used to the motion of the ship oy walking about on deck. “If the usual remedies fail, lie down, take no food, and drink plenty of cold water or unsweetened lemonade, until the attack has passed.”