Carsick blues

Q: My nine-year-old gets sick on the bus. I don’t want to give her Gravol for a trip that lasts only a few minutes. Is there anything else that will help?

A: Although there’s no cure for carsickness, there are a number of approaches that may be helpful. Is your daughter, like many girls her age, skipping breakfast? This may make her stomach feel worse, so offer a light snack of whole- grain crackers or toast before she gets on the bus. You can also tell her to sit by an open window and look toward the horizon instead of at things passing by. “Seasickness” wristbands have been used successfully by sailors and travellers for years and are available at camp and marine stores. Check the label first, though, to make sure they are age-appropriate. Other suggestions include avoiding acidic or bubbly drinks or greasy foods before travel. For many people, carsickness continues into adulthood and may be associated with migraine headaches.