5 quick tips for a healthy trucking lifestyle

Truck drivers have a wide range of health risks to combat, but plenty of the research has been conducted and released may help these individuals avoid such occupational hazards. Although keeping up with a healthy routine can be extremely difficult in this profession, there are a few quick and easy adjustments to behaviors and habits that can make a major impact on long-term quality of life, while also improving overall job safety and productivity. 

Consider the following five as viable options to keep you healthy on the road this spring and summer:

1. Purchase portable exercise equipment
The Balance suggests having some form of exercise equipment on-hand for the breaks so that you can get the blood flowing a bit before going to sleep. The site states that weights are a great option, but folding bicycles might be a bit better since aerobic exercise is so beneficial to overall wellness. Since sitting down for long periods of time can lead to major health issues, this might be the most important tip of all. 

2. Kick the cigarette habit
Although not necessarily an easy pursuit, truckers should seriously consider avoiding tobacco products given the severe health impacts of the habit. According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, long-haul truck drivers are more than twice as likely to smoke cigarettes than the rest of the workforce, at 51 percent compared to 19 percent. Kicking the habit can have extreme health and financial benefits. 

3. Low-carb, high-protein diet
Healthy eating is among the most difficult elements of the truck driving profession, as options are so few and far between in many parts of the country. However, as NPR reported, one truck driver who used to be an Olympic hopeful found ways to maintain a low-carb, high-protein diet, which can help to improve body weight control. This takes some planning, such as stocking the cab with the right foods. 

4. Tracking vitals
That same truck driver has worked closely with his employer to improve health and wellness among his colleagues, NPR added, and one such effort involved tracking vitals throughout the day. According to the news provider, Siphiwe Baleka spearheaded an effort to get health-related tracking monitors into the hands of drivers to help them better understand their vitals, and get more erratic or dangerous shifts under control. 

5. Sleep assistance
It is widely known that truck drivers sleep away from home the majority of the time, while research has shown that such habits are highly inhibitive of a healthy sleep pattern. As such, truckers should consider using herbs and other holistic medications to assist in falling asleep. Additionally, there is a large breadth of phone apps and audio products that can reduce issues with getting a good night's rest. Utilizing the full array of options out there can translate to better sleep and a healthier body. 

Keep up with your health and wellness to ensure that you remain happy and safe on the job for longer periods of time.