Relief for Some Travel Medical Woes

by Jeanine Barone
(New York, NY)

As a travel writer, I spend a lot of time on the road. So I've included three tips below that have helped me on many of my journeys:

• Do you have problems with your ears when flying? EarPlanes are inexpensive silicon earplugs that regulate the air coming into your ears, allowing you to adapt better to pressure changes. They are sold in drugstores and airport gift shops, and through travel supply catalogs.



• Many travelers don't realize that they may be able to prevent diarrhea by taking two Pepto-Bismol chewable tablets before each meal and two at bedtime every day of the trip. Don't use the tablets for more than three weeks, and check with your doctor first, especially if you're taking other medications or if you have a chronic condition, such as kidney disease.



• Another device, the ReliefBand, may help relieve motion sickness. (It's FDA approved for the relief of nausea due to chemotherapy.) This watch-like device is convenient to use and provides a mild electrical stimulation of an acupressure point on the inside of the wrist.