Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Offers Tips on Preventing Car-Sickness in Children

Don't Let Car-Sickness Ruin Your Family's Ride

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
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DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 20, 1997 -- Car-sickness isn't really about the car -- it's about sensory overload. Most of the body is telling the brain "We're moving forward." But if your child is looking down at a book, the eyes are feeding the brain an entirely different message.

To head off or avoid car-sickness, William Parham, MD, vice president of medical affairs for Blue Cross an Blue Shield of North Carolina, recommends the following:

• Know the warning signs: kids become sweaty and pale, get restless or begin to yawn a lot.
• Stop frequently, and make sure to stop at the first sign of car- sickness symptoms.
• Before leaving home, offer a light snack like crackers.
• Avoid smoking, or strong-smelling foods, in the car.
• Elevate your child with approved child safety seats - so they can see the horizon through the windshield.

If your child does become carsick, Dr. Parham says you should stop immediately and have your child lie down until the dizziness passes. If they have vomited, offer cool water and a light snack afterwards.

CONTACT: Ingrid Jones, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, 919-765-4114