Fit for the road

By Robert Lake
Publisher
[email protected]

Did you know that approximately 73 percent of truck drivers are classified as overweight while more than 50 percent can be medically classified as obese? Weight issues – coupled with poor eating habits and a lack of exercise – can lead to heart problems, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and other health problems.

The costs associated with these health issues in sick days and out-of-pocket expenses can add up to thousands of dollars per year and can rob you of the ability to make a living in trucking. In fact, some of these diseases are so serious they can rob you of your life.

It’s not easy to change lifelong bad habits, and it can be difficult to adapt diets and exercise routines into the trucking lifestyle. However, even small improvements in diet and activity level can result in health benefits such as lower cholesterol and blood pressure along with increased energy and improvements in appearance.

Because this is such a critical topic, Truckers News plans to produce a comprehensive editorial package – Fit for the Road – on issues facing overweight truckers. The stories will explore how the trucking lifestyle contributes to the problem as well as solutions that source medical experts and positive examples of truckers who have adopted a healthier regimen on the road. But to do it right, we need your help.

The program will include a group of overweight drivers, who will participate in a year-long weight loss and fitness program designed for their lifestyle and current health and fitness level. Each trucker will receive a healthy weight loss and fitness program designed by a dietician, fitness expert and medical doctor. The application process is easy and open to company, team or owner-operator truck drivers. All you have to do is fill out a short form and write a paragraph about why you or your loved one would like to participate in the Fit for the Road program. Even if you are not selected, you will have the opportunity to follow the progress and help support the efforts of participants through the pages of Truckers News and online updates.

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Click here to apply online.

For more information on how to apply, email [email protected].

Getting Fit for the Road is not a quick fix or an instant cure but hopefully a journey to a healthier lifestyle.

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