June 2011

Truck drivers are at more risk than the average Americans for a number of health problems. Obesity, is easily the most commonly occurring and preventable cause of disease. Many don’t bother to wear seat belts. About one in four has sleep apnea (a disorder that interferes with breathing during sleep and can leave one groggy and exhausted). Half of them smoke, eat a lot of fast food, sit for long periods and don’t exercise. These habits can fuel high blood pressure and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Many truckers unload the goods they carry, risking back injuries. Truck drivers also report more injuries, such as sprains, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering tightening its rules for conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. And many companies are stepping up their own efforts at improving health.

Some tips:

Walking around your truck 32 times is about a mile.

Give up smoking—also saves you lot of money. is considering tightening its rules for conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. And many companies are stepping up their own efforts at improving health.

Some tips:

Walking around your truck 32 times is about a mile.

Give up smoking—also saves you lot of money.