Health

Oct 28, 2010

Accidents Not Always Caused by Fatigue

CREnglandGirl Health 0 Comment

TruckFlix.com ran this article that shows how fatigue is not as big reason for accidents as people thought.  This can be helpful if you were staying out of the industry because you easily tire. Read on…

New stats debunk occurrence of fatigue-related crashes

10/13/2010 – 12:12:00 pm

Flying in the face of often reported statistics that driver fatigue is a significant factor in large truck crashes, a new set of statistics released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration paints a very different picture.

In a report titled, “2009: Historic Truck Crash Declines,” presented by Ralph Craft, Ph.D., with FMCSA’s Analysis Division, fatigued driving was coded as a factor in only 1.4 percent of fatal large truck crashes – the same as being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medications.

The report breaks down the top 10 factors coded in fatal crashes. Leading the way in 7.3 percent of the crashes was speeding. The presentation does not specify a difference between speeding and driving too fast for conditions.

Speeding is followed by failure to keep in proper lane and inattentive driving, which were coded as factors in 6.5 and 5.7 percent of the fatal large truck crashes.

Fatigued driving tied for seventh on the list, after failure to yield right-of-way, failure to obey traffic signs and over correcting. Following improperly and making an improper turn rounded out the top 10 list of fatal crash factors.

Overall, the report notes that large truck fatalities dropped to 3,380, which reflects a 20.4 percent decline from 2008. Crashes dropped 20.4 percent as well.

By Land Line Magazine staff

http://www.truckflix.com/news_article.php?newsid=7112

Apr 26, 2010

Retired Truck Driver Keeps Rolling

CREnglandGirl , , , Famous Truck Drivers, Health, healthy trucking 0 Comment

I found this article online this morning that inspired me to keep living even when I’m 90 years old. Al Weidtz, a retired trucker, is riding his bike in the “Wheeling Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour” for the fourth straight year. He rides his bike about a 100-miles a week, can you believe it?

His history is interesting enough. He served in the 28th Airborne Tank Battalion in World War II and came home, married Rose and they operated a trucking company they named “Roaming Rosie”. They traveled the country together as well as staying physically active. They boated, did skin diving, and even archery. They had a wonderful life together. When Rosie passed away, he moved and made new friends. Now he has taken up biking.

Al loves to bike with his children and grandchildren. Last year, he, his daughter, and grandson, rode the Columbus Ohio Zoo ride along with 4,500 other people. He fell, but only scraped his knee. He got up and finished the race!

When truck driving, Al and Rosie Weidtz’ “Roaming Rosie” trucks were known as the “Knights of the Road” and traveled though out all of the United States. Back in 1959, they travelled from the Ohio area to the New York City and back, making a whole $100 a trip. Times have definitely changed.

People have such interesting stories and finding this article this morning has reminded me to live. I think I might sit in a cab and see the scenery, but this reminds me that drivers want to get out of the cab once in awhile and enjoy the scenery. Maybe I’ll take up biking someday and since I’m not quite 90 yet, I could try 200 miles a week. Nah, I’ll stick with 5 to start out.

http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/537089.html?nav=515

Feb 10, 2010

Sleep Makes Me Smart

CREnglandGirl , , Health 0 Comment

Sleeping GirlSo, I was reading Glamour Health and Fitness, and I found this great article on the 5 things we women should know about sleep.  And since sleep is one of my favorite things, I had to take a look.  It was good stuff.  In fact I learned that most women have a problem getting enough sleep.

Not only that, but I’m suppose to be smarter when I get more sleep.  I like the sound of that one.  Plus, sleep is supposed to help me loose weight and look younger.  The more sleep, the better your metabolism.  Can you imagine?  I could be smarter, thinner and look younger if I got more sleep.  Yeah!

So, how do I get enough sleep?  That’s the hard part.  The article said to create a schedule and “stick to it”.  Yeah right.  It’s not that easy, agreed?  When teenagers are in the home, the house isn’t quiet until way after a normal bedtime.  Getting up early while your teenager is still sleeping makes me want to wake the kid up so they can relate.  In fact, that’s a great idea.  That’s what I’m doing in the morning.  Then maybe my teenager will feel my pain.

That problem solved.

The article said to marry the right person.  I totally agree with this one.  A man who expects you to do it all, plus take care of him is not going to share the home workload created by all in the house.  Allow him to help.  If you think you can do it all, you will do it all, except all by yourself.  That means less sleep.

I’m good there.

All right, lets see if I have it right.  Better sleep means loose pounds, look younger, and be smarter.  I’m there.

http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2010/02/sleep-challenge-2010-2.html

Aug 26, 2009

“Eat This, Not That!”

CREnglandGirl Food, Health 0 Comment

If you haven’t yet heard about Eat This, Not That!, it’s time you did!  Created by the editor-in-chief of the popular Men’s Health magazine, Eat This, Not! started as a series of best-selling books and has evolved into a popular weight loss strategy that doesn’t require dieting.  Instead, it is intended to educate people and help make them better, more informed decisions about what they eat, ultimately leading to weight loss.  One of my favorite parts about it (which can be found on their website) is the Restaurants section; a lengthy list of popular restaurants are given an overall grade according to how healthy (or unhealthy) their menu is.  In addition, you can see the unhealthiest and most healthiest items on the menu, helping you make a healthier choice next time you stop on the road.  Visit the official Eat This, Not That! website to find out how your favorite fast-food joints rank (you may be surprised!).

Aug 21, 2009

Roadside Clinic for Truckers

CREnglandGirl Cool Stuff, Health, On the Road, Services 0 Comment

A new chain of instant health care clinics is catering to the large population of over-the-road truckers.  The Las Vegas-based Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab plans to open two new locations next Spring in Dallas and Forth Worth with an additional four the company plans to build in Texas in the near future.  Overall, Roadside plans to open and offer franchising opportunities at roughly 80 locations throughout the United States over the next few years in order to meet the health needs of the millions of long-haul truckers on the road (click here to find open and soon-to-be open locations throughout the country).

So what can you expect when you visit a Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab?  Truckers can get medical attention for small health problems such as the flu, colds, sore throat, stitches, and other minor ailments.  The company also plans to offer its very own line of nutritional and pharmaceutical supplements and products in addition to nutritious to-go meals that offer truckers a healthy food alternative.  Another important service the clinics offer is DOT Testing; you can easily and quickly complete the DOT physical and screening.  The best part?  The easy access and expedited care means truckers can get the medical attention and help they need without losing valuable time on the road!

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