Category Archives: Health

The Healthy Trucking Association

Posted on by
Reply

Did you know that C.R. England is a member of the Healthy Trucking Association of America?  The HTAA is a non-profit organization that was formed to provide professional truck drivers with the resources they need and deserve to live a healthier live and also to provide trucking companies with programs and resources to assist and encourage their drivers to live healthier.  In order to foster good health in the trucking industry, the HTAA teams up with various companies and other associations relevant to the industry.  The organization recently held its first annual Summit in Atlanta and hopes to hold one every year in February to help focus more attention on driver health issues.

One of the best things about the HTAA is individual drivers can become members and for just $7.50 a month, you have access to all the tools and resources you need to get healthier – sign up here.  Or click here to watch a short video to learn more about the HTAA and its mission.  Want to know if your employer is a member?  Find out here.

The Benefits of Coffee

Posted on by
Reply

Good news if you happen to be one of the millions of Americans who relies on their daily cup of coffee.  Did you know the beloved beverage is actually good for you?  Though it often gets a bad rap, drinking coffee every day does more good than bad for your health:

  • After extensive research and studies, Harvard researchers found that drinking six or more cups of coffee a day can actually slash your risk for diabetes by 54% for men and more than 30% for women.  So drinking those seven cups of coffee can reduce your risk for getting diabetes by more than half compared to people who don’t drink coffee!
  • People who drink coffee regularly are 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease (read about the disease here) than those who don’t drink it.  Researchers believe the high amount of caffeine in coffee directly attributes to the low risk for Parkinson’s.
  • Coffee also helps prevent a person’s risk for a variety of other diseases and illnesses including diabetes, colon cancer, liver cirrhosis, and gallstones.

So grab a cup of steaming joe before you head out on the road and drink up!

Boosting your Energy Levels

Posted on by
Reply

Even truck drivers can be susceptible to the post-lunch slump that seems to hit around late afternoon – your eyes begin to feel heavy, you feel less alert, and your energy is zapped.  Sound familiar?  Here’s how to stay energized, alert, and feeling good all day long.

  • Eat right!  Believe it or not, certain foods can actually make you feel more tired (similar to how eating turkey on Thanksgiving makes you want to nap afterward).  When you can, eat food that is high in protein and whole-grains to feel more alert.  Avoid foods that are high in sugar, which can make you feel extremely energized right before you crash, leaving you feeling fatigued and exhausted.
  • Chew gum – did you know it can actually help you feel more alert and aware of your surroundings?
  • A plain, old cup of coffee is the trucker’s standby to help keep them awake.  Coffee is full of caffeine which is classified as a stimulant since it mildly stimulates the nervous and cardiovascular systems helping you feel more awake.
  • You can also drink water.  When you’re body is even slightly dehydrated (which can happen really anytime), you begin to feel tired and sleepy so be sure to drink plenty or water while on the road, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Try talking a walk.  Park at a truck stop or rest stop and do a few laps around the parking lot.  This will increase your blood and oxygen flow, making you instantly feel more awake.
  • Try to stick to a regular sleeping schedule.  This is definitely easier said than done, especially when truckers are trying to make up for lost time or traveling at night to avoid heavy traffic.  But getting enough sleep (typically eight hours a night) will actually help you have more energy during your shifts.  Make sure to take advantage of your 10-hour breaks by sleeping!
  • If you are really struggling to stay awake, pull over and rest.   It is always better to take an hour or so to rest than getting in an accident because you were falling asleep at the wheel.  Safety should always be your top priority.

How to Make Life on the Road More Comfortable

Posted on by
Reply

Sitting for hours on end behind a steering wheel is enough to make anyone feel cramped and sore.  Here’s a few of my favorite produts that can make life a on the road a little more comfortable for truck drivers.

  • Ever feel like that dagnum seat belt is choking you?  Well, no longer with a comfy sheepskin seat belt cover!  Not only are they inexpensive (somewhere between $15 and $25), but the can prevent the seat belt from rubbing, pulling, or chafing uncomfortably.
  • A cheap and easy way to stay even warmer during those cold nights (without idling, of course) is using an electric blanket – simply plug into  your source of power (such as an auxiliary power unit) and you’ll sleep warm and soundly.
  • If you’re one of the few who has yet to do so, get an iPod!  Not only can you upload and listen to your favorite tunes on the road, you can also put your favorite audio books on the iPod, as well as videos to watch during your downtime.
  • To ensure correct posture and reduce back pain, consider getting an ergonomic seat cushion or support.  It’s much more comfortable and better for you than the standard driver seat.  Click here to shop for various seat cushions and seats.

Personal Hygiene on the Road

Posted on by
Reply

While there are the select few truck stops where you’re probably better off not showering there, most offer clean, sanitary showers for $7 to $12 (depending on the truck stop).  That may sound like a lot for a shower, but the cost typically includes a small room you can lock with a sink, shower, a towel, a bar of soap and a washcloth – and most don’t have a time limit.  In addition, many travel centers will throw in a shower for free with minimum fuel and repair purchases.  Consider getting a frequent shopper card or joining a loyalty program which gives you points or credit with purchases that can also often be used towards free showers and other items.  Here’s a few other tips to ensure you stay “so fresh and so clean” on the road…

  • You probably won’t be able to wash your hands on the road except when you make stops, so keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your cab that you can use as a substitute.
  • Make stops at travel centers that offer laundromats so you can do laundry during your down time.
  • Wear rubber flip-flops in the showers.
  • Keep all your personal hygiene items (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, etc.) in a small duffel bag that you can easily grab and carry into the shower with you.