Healthy Trucking

Truckers are more at risk for obesity and other health problems because of their profession. Many truckers are obese, eat unhealthy fast food, half of them smoke, and 1 in 4 have sleep apnea. To combat this, many drivers use energy drinks on a frequent basis to avoid being tired on the road. This dangerous profession accounts for 15 percent of all work related accidents in the nation.

With these statistics in mind, a recent report may help the government change regulations for truck drivers’ health. Although truck drivers are tested every year, restricting those who have high blood pressure or heart problems to maintain their licenses, other aspects of drivers' health, like weight and smokers, aren't regulated. However, many companies are already stepping up their efforts to improve employees’ health.

An Associated Press check of companies revealed these programs:

-Celadon Group Inc. encourages its 3,200 drivers in the U.S. and Canada to get blood pressure and cholesterol checks with the stationed nurses at its main facility in Indianapolis. Doctors are on call if needed, and Celadon pays all expenses. The company says the program has helped trim its $10 million annual health care bill.

-Melton Truck Lines Inc. replaced sodas in the Tulsa, Okla., headquarters offers a 12-week weight loss program. They also replaced sodas in vending machines with water, green tea, and diet drinks.

-Con-way Freight of Ann Arbor, Mich., implemented a trial wellness program two years ago. As a result, they saw annual workers compensation claims plunge 80 percent and lost work days drop 75 percent in Los Angeles. Now the leaders of the programs are being hired at other hub offices.

-Schneider National Inc. of Green Bay, Wis., attacked the common problem among truckers, sleep apnea. They screened 10,000 of its 15,000 drivers for apnea, a disorder that interferes with breathing during sleep and can leave the sufferer groggy and exhausted. The 10 percent who had the disorder were supplied with special air masks to help them sleep.

As a result of the health incentive programs, some drivers are responding by working out at loading stations, lifting weights in their trucks, eating and stocking healthy food in mini-fridges in their trucks, looking for healthy food alternatives on the road, cooking for themselves, and walking laps around their rigs (32 times around an 18 wheeler is a mile).

Remember to stay healthy by participating in these programs and help replace the unhealthy stereotype of truckers everywhere. And if you must have an energy drink to keep you going, at least go with a healthier energy drink that will give you the energy you need and still allow you to maintain a higher level of health while on the road.