Semi-truck operators have an occupation with higher than average health risks, so truck driver health is big concern. The biggest obstacle to overcome is a lack of knowledge inside and outside the community. Together, we can focus on spreading awareness of the issues that increase risk while promoting general men’s health too.
Have You Heard of Movember?
Since its beginning in 1999, Movember has grown from a small fundraising movement in Australia to a global phenomenon. In recent years, participants in the United States have succeeded in raising millions of dollars for the Movember Foundation.
Movember focuses on three primary issues: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health. A surprising percentage of cases of cancer and mental illnesses go unidentified every year, largely due to a lack of awareness and testing. While they can be often treated when caught early, thousands suffer or pass away from them every year unknowingly.
However, Movember also about general men’s health awareness. Some of the most important concerns are:
- Depression
- Obesity
- Reluctance to visit doctors
Let’s Support Truck Drivers World Wide
It’s no secret that sitting down for long periods of time, eating fast food and inconsistent sleep schedules are bad for your health. Because of this, trucker drivers are more likely to develop health issues related to obesity and heart disease.
How much time do you spend maintaining your vehicle to keep it in tip-top shape? You should be doing the same for yourself!
In part, the awareness and focus on men’s health in recent years is the perfect chance to promote wellness and active health goals in the trucking industry. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy, and the most important part of the battle is awareness.
What Factors Impact Truck Driver Health the Most?
In addition to the health concerns that all men face, truck operators face their own unique issues.
Sleep Deprivation
Long hours on the road and tight deadlines can put drivers behind-the-wheel when they should be resting on a pillow. Many operators push themselves far past their reasonable limits to get extra miles in to make more money.
Sleep deprivation impacts your alertness and ability to react. For most professions, this can have a noticeable decrease in your productivity. For those that work on the road, it can create a safety hazard for themselves and many others. There are plenty of examples available of semi-truck crashes that can be attributed to lack of sleep.
The only solution is to plan your schedule to include enough sleep.
Poor Diet
Healthy eating on the road isn’t easy. This translates to a diet that frequently includes fast food and other convenience options that don’t offer much in the way of nutritional value.
While obesity and heart health are major concerns that tie into your diet, remember there are other serious consequences to consider. Your risk of cancers related to your digestive system increase with diets high in red meats and low in fiber. That doesn’t mean you need to eat a salad every day, but it is key to find a way to balance out your meals even when you’re on the road.
Take control of your diet by packing foods that meet your dietary needs. A small cooler with fruits and vegetables makes a perfect start. For long hauls, consider trying to pack sandwiches or other meals that use store-bought ingredients versus the fried food you would find at stops.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Trucker operators do get some exercise when loading or unloading their trailers. But it’s undeniable that they spend a significant portion of their day sitting down. Research continues to show the major health risks associated with excessive sitting.
There’s little you can do to combat sitting during long hauls. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t work exercise and activity into your daily life. Plan your stops to include any physical activity that you can. Whether you want to incorporate strength training or cardio into your day is up to you, as long as you do something!
It’s not as hard as you may think to bring along some small exercise equipment with you on the job.
High Blood Pressure
A combination of many factors all lead to hypertension, a very concerning issue for truckers and men in general. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity and poor diets all raise your risk of chronic high blood pressure. Known as the silent killer, hypertension can lead to heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease.
Because of the dangers of hypertension, the Department of Transportation physical even has medical guidelines that limit the certification of drivers that are at high risk of blood pressure-related illnesses.
Any steps toward lowering your blood pressure will be a benefit to your overall health.
Semi Service Encourages You to Take an Active Role in Your Health
Awareness is only effective if it spurs action. Make sure that you use time wisely to evaluate your personal health and take steps to improve it. Even health-conscious drivers can strive to eat better, exercise more or visit their doctor for regular checkups.
Do You Have Questions? Contact Semi Service Today!
If you’re thinking of buying a new or used trailer, plow or other truck equipment and don’t know where to start, we can help answer your questions and guide you to finding what you need.
Contact us online or give us a call at (801) 895-4419 to get started today!
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