Don't Let It Ruin Your Summer Vacation; Dr. Emily Senay Has Advice

(CBS) Motion sickness can spoil summer travel for many vacationers.

But there are ways to keep it from taking hold.

On The Early Show Monday, medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay explained that motion sickness is a problem that occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from the eyes and inner ear about whether or not you are in motion.

The inner ear, she says, is a big part of your sense of balance, and senses motion when you are riding along in a car, plane or boat. But if you are looking at something stationary, such as the floor, or if you're reading a book, your eyes are telling your brain that you are sitting still. That mixed message to your brain results in the nausea of motion sickness.

However, Senay says there are some prevention techniques that can help.

Try to keep your head still with a good forward view; focus on the horizon; don't read or play games or do anything that takes your eyes off the road. Try to get plenty of fresh air, and don't travel on a very full or an empty stomach.

If you have the option of driving instead of being a passenger, it can help take your mind off the nausea. If you know you're prone to motion sickness, a drug such as Dramamine can help when taken beforehand. Ginger root also has stomach-settling properties. Pressure point wrist bands may help some people. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe something stronger if the problem is severe and persistent.

If you sense someone is starting to feel car sick, pull over and get out and walk around; get some fresh air, and feel better before moving on. If you can nip it in the bud, you'll be much better off than if you push onward and the feeling gets worse to the point of vomiting. It's always a good idea to bring along a sick-bag or leak-proof container for lengthy road trips.

Before hitting the road, try to avoid heavy foods such as cheeses or meats, and avoid alcohol and smoke, too, before road trips. Bring plenty of water. Light, starchy snacks beforehand and during the trip are recommended.

As for kids, it's important, Senay says, for them to be able to see out the window. If they're in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat, they may be in a difficult position when it comes to motion sickness.

It's tough enough as it is keeping kids occupied on long road trips, but try to get them to engage in activities in which they're looking out the window. An activity like that is better than looking down at a handheld video game or book.