*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature P: Personality Disorders.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is feeling dizzy, or feeling or being sick when travelling by car, boat, plane or train. You can do things to prevent it or relieve the symptoms.

Check if you have motion sickness

Symptoms of motion sickness may include:

dizziness
feeling sick (nausea)
being sick
headache
feeling cold and going pale
sweating

How to ease motion sickness yourself

Do

reduce motion - sit in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat
look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon
breathe fresh air if possible - for example, by opening a car window
close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing
distract children by talking, listening to music or singing songs
break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk
try ginger, which you can take as a tablet, biscuit or tea

Don't

do not read, watch films or use electronic devices
do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves
do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel
do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell

A pharmacist can help with motion sickness

You can buy remedies from pharmacies to help prevent motion sickness, including:

tablets - dissolvable tablets are available for children
patches - can be used by adults and children over 10
acupressure bands - these do not work for everyone

A pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you or your child.

Find a pharmacy

Causes of motion sickness

Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train.

The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature P: Personality Disorders. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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