Truckers News‘ Take a Load Off program is a new initiative connected to the current Fit for the Road program.
Take a Load Off promotes overall health and well being in truckers, but particularly in those who are interested in losing a few pounds (or maybe a lot of pounds) in order to get into better health. According to an msnbc.com article, an estimated 40 percent of truck drivers fall into the obese range, meaning they have a Body Mass Index greater than 30.
According to Trinity Medical Center, obesity may be related to health problems like degenerative arthritis, diabetes, gastroesophogeal reflux, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and respiratory difficulties, among others. Research also has indicated that sleep apnea could be linked to obesity, as well. With many of these diseases or disorders appearing on the CDL medical exam (or, in the case of sleep apnea, currently being probed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is more important than ever for truckers.
In many ways, the direction of the Take A Load Off program – and it’s success – will depend on you, the reader. The Truckers News editorial staff will work diligently to provide you with the best information we can on health-related topics, as well as tools for eating healthier and exercising while on the road.
But we want to hear your stories, both successes and struggles. When you weigh yourself at the end of the week and are down a few pounds, let us know. Take a picture of yourself at the beginning of the year and track your progress throughout the year. You may just be the person who inspires a fellow trucker to push through the struggles of weight loss to better health. We are working to put together an online system where you can share your information, and for the time being, you can send your stories to [email protected].
We invite you to get involved with our forum and also to e-mail us with any health-related questions you have. We aren’t doctors, but we will do our best to find answers for you.
Hope you like the new site, and we hope it will be of help to you.
