According to the U.S. Department of Labor, heavy and tractor-trailer trucking added more jobs than any transportation sector in February 2013 with 5,600 hires and is one of the most in-demand professions in the country. Generally employed as freight drivers, 1.6 million truckers were reported to be on the books in 2012 and there is a 21 percent growth rate expected by 2020. The pressure is on and truckers all across the nation are rising to the occasion.
Keeping up with the demand
Due to the high demand of getting paid per mile, many truckers push themselves to the edge to finish a job and often deprive themselves of sleep and make unhealthy lifestyle decisions while at work. For instance:
• Many do not exercise regularly.
• Most eat fast foods and drink excessive amounts of coffee or energy drinks.
• 67 percent smoke.
• 86 percent are either overweight or obese.
In addition to being exhausting work, truck driving has been coined the most deadly job in the U.S. and truckers are also at high risk of ankle, shoulder and back injuries because their job entails loading and unloading heavy cargo.
To combat these harsh realities, two of the most effective ways truckers can stave off injury and keep up with their job requirements are to focus on naturally maximizing their stamina and fighting obesity through regular exercise and proper nutrition.
Truckers-guide to a healthy lifestyle
• Loss of muscle of tone = loss of energy. Although truckers spend most of their time sitting in their cab, taking advantage of fill-ups and rest stops is vital. Next time you’re off the road for a pit stop do some push-ups, squats, and walk/job around your rig several times. Start at whatever level you’re comfortable with and build your way up.
• Proper blood flow boosts stamina and feeds your body with vital nutrition. While you’re driving, you can keep your body moving by squeezing a stress ball or squeezing your buttocks and knees together for five to ten seconds at a time. This will help prevent venous stasis, will provide vital oxygen to your cells, and will also help build muscle tone.
• Bag your lunch. It will save you time and money in the long run. Pack a cooler and fill it with freshly cut fruits and veggies to snack on while on the road. It has been known to keep you more alert and will help you shed the pounds. While on those long trips, most fill-up stations offer healthy alternatives and you can always get some ice from the vending machine to keep your food cool.
• Get proper rest. Even though you’re rushing to get home, make sure you get six to eight hours of sleep every day. It will help regulate your hormone cycles and is pivotal for endurance and weight control.
• Limit caffeine and nicotine. Both cause dehydration, and contribute greatly to moodiness and lack of stamina. Train your body to live off the energy it gets naturally from proper nutrition and sleep. A cup of coffee every day won’t kill, but try green tea. It is an effective weight loss supplement and gives you a nice, gradual boost and you won’t crash like with coffee.
Sources for this article include:
• http://www.nbcnews.com/id/19680262/ns/health-health_care/t/programs-strive-help-truckers-get-healthy/#.UaZj2pW9aa4
• http://www.thehealthytrucker.net/truck-driver-health-risks/
• http://healthland.time.com/2012/01/19/bad-mood-low-energy-there-might-be-a-simple-explanation/
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1945044/
• http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/health/a-hard-turn-truck-drivers-try-steering-from-bad-diets.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
• http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=87825&page=1#.UaZwNJW9aa4
• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm#tab-6
• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm
• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm#tab-3
