Many truckers spend most of their daily life on the road.
This means spending a large portion of our lives in a seated position with minimal movement which makes it difficult to keep our health in good order.
Here are 3 health problems and things that truckers can do to combat them:
The majority of skin cancer is found in places where the body receives excessive sunlight. Places like the shoulders, nose, neck, ears, and arms are prone to developing cancerous growths.
As drivers, the left side of our body sees even more sun than usual. Even on overcast days, it’s important to remember to wear sunscreen on your arms and face. It may be more convenient to wear long sleeves, depending on the climate where you’re working. Even in the cooler fall and winter months, sun damage can still occur.
Choose a sunscreen that is “broad-spectrum” or “multi-spectrum.” This means that it can block out both UVB and UVA rays, offering optimal protection against cancer-causing sunlight. We recommend an SPF 90 as it allows you to go longer without reapplying a new layer.
If you notice any moles or other skin spots that has seemed to get larger, has irregular borders, or more than one color (or a different shade of color), make sure that you speak with your doctor. They will help you determine if they need to be removed. It’s important to do this as soon as possible to prevent any skin cancer from spreading over time.
High blood pressure is not just a health concern, it can disqualify you from passing your DOT medical exam. Unfortunately, some careers get put on hold while drivers work to get their blood pressure under control. Blood pressure numbers that exceed 140/90 can lead to the disqualification of a driver. When a driver’s numbers hit this point, they will be given a temporary certification and be required to bring their numbers down below this threshold within a specified period of time, or be disqualified from driving.
Hypertension can harden and thicken your arteries due to a buildup of plaque, eventually creating a serious restriction to blood flow. Those with high blood pressure are at greater risk of having a heart attack or developing other heart diseases.
Speak with your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Changes in vision
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Pounding sensation in your neck, chest, or ears
- Irregular fatigue
- Blood in urine
Natural ways drivers can prevent high blood pressure:
- Get your heart rate up by walking for at least 30 minutes a day. Try to get out of your truck at least once and walk around.
- Reduce alcohol intake as much as possible. More than one drink per day can increase your risk for hypertension.
- Cut your sodium intake. Try to avoid processed foods when possible. Even substituting one healthy meal a day can make a difference.
- Manage stress effectively. When you’re stressed, it causes your body to be in a constant “fight or flight” state. This physiologic response causes our bodies to produce adrenaline, speed up the heart, and constrict blood vessels. It’s not meant to be a prolonged condition. If you have , Do what you can to rationally process the stressful things in your life. Talk to someone about them and seek any help you may need.
A body mass index of over 30 qualifies a person as being obese. This puts extra strain on your cardiovascular system as it has to work harder to properly pump blood to all of these tissues and organs in your body. It also causes premature wear on most of the joints in the human body, and can even cause sleep apnea.
What can truckers do to offset the risks and effects of obesity? Because of our sedentary lifestyle, it can be harder to stay fit than most people. However, there are some things we can do.
- Stay mobile – Take advantage of any chance you get to walk around and maintain blood flow. Even if it’s 10 minutes at every stop you make, it can help keep your body flexible and burn extra calories.
- Control calorie intake – While everyone’s calorie needs are different, tracking your food can be helpful in keeping you accountable. It’s best to talk with your doctor, or a certified personal trainer about what you should aim for in terms of daily calorie goals. They may make varying recommendations based on your current weight and activity level.
- Consider nutrition value – As you plan out your meals, remember that not all calories are created equal. 500 calories of ice cream has no nutritional value, but 100 calories of fresh vegetables can provide a day’s worth of certain vitamins and minerals. Consuming a low carb diet that’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats can be extremely beneficial and doesn’t have to be unpleasant.
- Exercise – Try to exercise every day, or create a weekend workout plan. If you can fit even 45 minutes a day into your schedule, you can drastically reduce aches, pains, and risk of obesity. Some may have a hard time getting into a gym every day. But even a 3 day plan can be effective.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health:
69% of long-haul truck drivers are considered obese
61% report having two or more of the following health problems: hypertension, obesity, smoking, high cholestorol, no physical activity, and less than 6 hours of sleep per 24 hour period
These numbers are roughly double that of the average adult working population.
Check out the full article here.
A drivers career presents a unique set of risks but we can take steps to work around them and enjoy a long healthy life with our loved ones!
If you have health concerns that might interfere with your eligibility to obtain a CDL, please locate the nearest TeamCME medical examiner. They will help guide you through the process of passing your DOT medical exam and continuing to earn a living.
