What is motion sickness in a medical sense?  It's a disturbance in the senses of balance and equilibrium, much of it related to the inner ear, eyes and motion receptors in our muscles and joints.  Complex though that sounds some experts on the subject, the nation's Ear, Nose and Throat specialists, have come up with some simple preventive tips.

First, says their official American Academy, "always ride where your eyes will see the same motion that your body and inner ears feel", for example, look at the horizon from cars or ships and look out the window of the airplane--not into the interior.  Secondly, and something many people learn early on, do not read while traveling.

In addition, if someone else is becoming motion sick do not watch him or her--it can increase your chances of winding up in the same boat.  They also say to avoid strong odors and spicy or greasy foods that "do not agree with you immediately before and during your travel."  And finally, try one of the various over-the-counter or prescription motion sickness remedies well in advance of departure.  Your doctor might be able to help choose the one that works best for you.  For a copy of this script, access our web site, speakingofhealth.com.  Speaking of Health, I'm Dr. Steven Andrew Davis, for CBS News.