Plan on sailing this summer? Before you do, check out this post from Adventure®  Medical Kits’ marine medicine consultant Dr. Michael Jacobs for tips on dealing with that common ailment that afflicts many boating enthusiasts — seasickness.

Seasickness (mal de mer) is the sailor’s most common and dreaded ailment; susceptibility is virtually universal. Untreated, seasickness leads to rapid physical and mental deterioration, posing a major hazard to crew health, safety, and morale. Every year, seaworthy yachts are abandoned because their exhausted, seasick, and despondent crews have lost their collective will to persevere. Unfortunately, mariners frequently consider seasickness a medical emergency, and summon unnecessary and potentially hazardous medical evacuations; at the very least, seasickness can ruin a good day on the water for any boater. It is clearly an illness to be reckoned with.

Question:

I am 73 and solo sail. I have sailed from Oakland, CA to Mexico, to Hawaii, and am now heading out into the south pacific.I am not sure what medical kit to order.
Thanks, Susan M.

Dr. Jacob’s Answer:

I commend you for solo sailing at your young and vigorous age of 73- Probably the most important element in maintaining your health at sea is a good physical exam, female exam, blood work, possibly an exercise stress test, and a review with your physician of any possible medical problems that might arise during your trip. You need to review your medical history in detail.

Q:
Hi there, My husband and I are preparing for cruising in our sailboat – expecting to leaven in April 2008. We have been planning our medical kit / supplies for the last 3 years, and both have some basic medical training. (We also have your Marine Medical 3000 as a good base) What we are looking for now is a good 24/7 medical contact service – are you aware of any? If an emgency situation does arise that we feel we can’t manage/ don’t understand – it would be most reassuring to know (in advance) we can contact an expert and always expect an answer (we have a Satallite phone, and email) Many thanks Maryanne Webb