Health Risks Of Prolonged Sitting, what can we as truck drivers do?

[askthetrucker]

Truck driver health has always been an issue, unfortunately, it hasn't been taken as serious in the past. It's good to see more blogs, social media groups, and now radio shows sharing this information.
Most drivers were not aware of how just "sitting" for so long could lead to a number of diseases: Obesity, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and others.

It wasn't until the trucking industry and the FMCSA started saying words like "BMI", "Sleep Apnea", and "Insulin Dependent Diabetes" that more drivers became aware of the health risks of driving.

Because of the growing concern for driver health, this year we have added 2 speakers to the line up to address the seriousness of it at the Truck Driver Convention next month in October. One of the speakers will be Elaine Papp of the FMCSA who will speaking about BMI, Sleep Apnea, and medical regulations. The other speaker is Rick Ash who was recently featured in USA Today.
Truck Driver Social Media Convention Speakers and Topics

We hope you will be a part of this years event to unite and honor drivers. A tremendous amount of info will be shared.

 

[notarps4me]

I have a appt with a specialist in the morning over my kidneys. They found protein in my urine on my last DOT exam. The kidneys take a beating over the years in a truck. A lot of bouncing and sitting still, not to mention sometimes having to hold your urine for a while.

 

[Mike]

The jarring of the truck is not good on any of your guts, that is for sure. Really bad on the intestines.

 

[askthetrucker]

I have a appt with a specialist in the morning over my kidneys. They found protein in my urine on my last DOT exam. The kidneys take a beating over the years in a truck. A lot of bouncing and sitting still, not to mention sometimes having to hold your urine for a while.

My kidneys ache many nights...too many years driving!

 

[DrDaliah]

Protein in the kidneys can be benign or it can be concerning, I have it to. Usually they make sure you don't have the big three....high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Many of us forget that cholesterol can also affect the kidneys. If all of those are in shape, then they check to see if you use over the counter medications frequently like Ibuprofen/ Naproxen. Those could affect the kidney as well. Many of us can do well with protein in the urine and they will watch to make sure its stable.

I have a appt with a specialist in the morning over my kidneys. They found protein in my urine on my last DOT exam. The kidneys take a beating over the years in a truck. A lot of bouncing and sitting still, not to mention sometimes having to hold your urine for a while.

 

[Injun]

I got lucky with my Girly truck. I have done everything I can to smooth out the ride, including new shocks, centrifugal balancers, wheel centering sleeves on the studs and I insist the inside drives be balanced when buying new tires. You would be surprised how much difference balancing the inside drives makes. With the easy ride it already came with and the extras I put on it, it rides better than that 1976 Thunderchicken I had.

 

[notarps4me]

Need to take you for a stroll down memory lane back to the COE's where every once in a while you pull over and look back in the bunk for your kidneys....

I got lucky with my Girly truck. I have done everything I can to smooth out the ride, including new shocks, centrifugal balancers, wheel centering sleeves on the studs and I insist the inside drives be balanced when buying new tires. You would be surprised how much difference balancing the inside drives makes. With the easy ride it already came with and the extras I put on it, it rides better than that 1976 Thunderchicken I had.

 

[Injun]

Need to take you for a stroll down memory lane back to the COE's where every once in a while you pull over and look back in the bunk for your kidneys....

Make sure it has a two-stick Brownie. I've always wanted to learn that.

 

[notarps4me]

Can't help you there. I have never driven a 2 sticker.

 

[midwestbound]

Since it was on youtube that dude will probably get fired asap!

 

[Tim]

Need to take you for a stroll down memory lane back to the COE's where every once in a while you pull over and look back in the bunk for your kidneys....

With a 14 leaf Rayco suspension and bias ply tires and a air ride seat with a wore out shock. Yea........good times back then.

 

[Micabay]

Make sure it has a two-stick Brownie. I've always wanted to learn that.

Those are fun to drive. The dumptruck I took my CDL test in had one...uhh, I mean two. I'm sure I never learned the proper shift pattern.

 

[mustanggirl]

about dangers of prolonged sitting - i found this gadget online that gives me the benefits of walking or exercising while i'm sitting. i don't have any specific ailment just sometimes poor circulation, but it sure feels good - like a massage on my leg.

 

[Injun]

Those gizmos are handy to have and do have benefits, but they do not replace the act of standing up and moving your body. Circulation is certainly helped in the muscles the gizmo stimulates. But to prevent clotting in deeper, larger vessels, you really do need to unfold your body and move the large muscle groups in a natural progression...large movements that utilize all of the muscles in concert with each other. A simple walk around your rig for two to five laps is all it takes. No gizmos required.

 

[DrDaliah]

I'm still investigating these smaller gizmos, but we know the larger ones, compression boots, which run from the ankles to the upper thighs, used in the hospitals are quite effective. Until there is a practical type of pumping stocking one could wear while driving, I agree with Injun that a few laps around the rig is your best bet.

Those gizmos are handy to have and do have benefits, but they do not replace the act of standing up and moving your body. Circulation is certainly helped in the muscles the gizmo stimulates. But to prevent clotting in deeper, larger vessels, you really do need to unfold your body and move the large muscle groups in a natural progression...large movements that utilize all of the muscles in concert with each other. A simple walk around your rig for two to five laps is all it takes. No gizmos required.

 

[mustanggirl]

why not do both - wear the gizmo and walk around the rig? this thing gives you choices - works while you drive or sleep or go about your everyday stuff. you don't have to wait for a pumping stocking to be invented. it's real light weight and small. those boots are too big and heavy and you have lie down to use them, no freedom of movement. great for those who won't exercise. good for real bad vein conditions like clots. increases your circulation something like 88%. it feels like the leg massage I get when I go for a pedicure - wonderful!

 

[Whirlwind]

Nothing wrong with doing both. If you like the "gizmo" wear it. The only problem is the people who are always looking for the easy solution. The ones who don't want to get out of the truck and walk, so they might see this as an alternative. Which it's not.

 

[fueldirect]

Doing exercise is important, eating well and staying hydrated. Like typing at a desk, you have to stretch or the blood will not move properly. Upper your omega is just as important so make sure you do that.

 

[mustanggirl]

Injun - just awful about your poor brother and all his suffering.

agreed, keeping a healthy lifestyle is necessary. but you can't exercise or walk while you are driving or sleeping!
it can be used along with compression stockings. it's non-medicinal, non-invasive too. good for DVTs, diabetes, wound healing. is there anybody out there who has one of these leg pump medical devices? or what else do you use?