Health, Wellness, and Injury Prevention PDF

Health, Wellness, and Injury Prevention Truck driver health and wellness is important to ensure alert, atten- tive driving for overall safety on the nation’s highways. Studies show that drivers who are generally more health conscious and physically fit are more likely to maintain continuous...

Health, Wellness, and Injury Prevention Truck driver health and wellness is important to ensure alert, atten- tive driving for overall safety on the nation’s highways. Studies show that drivers who are generally more health conscious and physically fit are more likely to maintain continuously high levels of driving alertness and attention. Nutrition: In order to perform at peak levels, the human body re- quires a healthy dose of proper nutrition. There are a few basic tips to remember to help stay healthy and alert to do one's job safely. Eat breakfast - it is the most important meal of the day. — 4 Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to balance out ad blood sugar. Drink plenty of water. Limit refined foods such as white sugar and bleached flour. Ue Avoid fried foods and excess salt. Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and stay away from junk food. Reduce trans-fats in foods and in food preparation which has been linked to heart disease. Most people know what constitutes good nutrition but fail to practice it in their everyday life. Por those drivers who are on the road much of the time, proper eating habits are even more important. Try to plan ahead and pack fruit and healthy snacks for times when you get hungry. Carry plenty of water with you and train yourself to drink it throughout the day. Exercise: Just as nutrition ts critical to a body's wellbeing, so is exer- cise. Regular exercise, consisting of extended periods of movement, helps the body to stay healthy and strong and have more vitality. It permits one to work strong too. The body ts built to move, not sit. Since drivers spend so much time sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle, they must make a concerted effort to get out and get moving or exercise when the vehicle is stopped. Keep it simple, move anywhere. Physical activity is what matters. Walking up stairs or around the truck a time or two every time it's parked, and/or taking the long way around buildings are easy ways to 151