My favorite snacks happen to be readily available to me at work — just a 5-second walk away. Five seconds to get to the break room, 10 seconds to count the change, 10 seconds to make my selection and grab it, five seconds to get back to my desk and 5 minutes to eat my jumbo honeybun. In fewer than 10 minutes, I’ve added 500 or so calories to my diet for the day. If I did this every day for a week, I’d be gaining a pound a week.
It’s amazing how easy it is to gain weight — at least, if you love eating, like I do. Add into that a relatively sedentary lifestyle such as trucking or working a desk job, and it seems impossible to maintain a healthy weight, much less lose weight. And it’s not just about the number on a scale. It’s about heart health, joint health; even mental health. Just like many of you, I understand the everyday struggle of staying physically and mentally fit.
We all know that health has become a concern in the trucking industry, especially with rules governing blood pressure (must not exceed 140/90) and insulin-treated diabetics.
Wondering how to tackle your health issues, whatever they may be, you probably have several questions. When, where and how are you supposed to choose healthy foods or cook on the road? When, where and how are you supposed to step out of your truck to get some exercise? When, where and how are you supposed to give your brain a break from 14 hours of heavy concentration?
As new managing editor of Truckers News, I will continue Misty Bell’s informative “Healthy Obsession” column and work to answer your questions. What I need from you is feedback. Which health topics do you want to read about? Which ones don’t get enough emphasis?
I am making a commitment to myself, my family, my friends, my coworkers and you, Truckers News readers — it is time to get healthy and stay healthy! Please join me on this journey.
