You are a trucker, so I am not going to waste your time by telling you how crucial it is to keep your rig in good condition. But how about your own health? High blood pressure, or hypertension, your health may sneak up on you with the rigors of life on the road. It is dangerous not only to your health but also to your profession as a truck driver. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about high blood pressure and how it can affect life behind the wheel.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. Over time, high pressure of the blood outwards to your arteries can cause big problems for your health, such as heart disease or stroke. The tricky part? You might not even feel any symptoms, which are why people usually refer to it as the silent killer.
Why Truckers Need to Pay Attention
As a trucker, you spend long hours sitting, eating on the fly, and dealing with your stress—everything that can rise through your blood pressure. And here's the kicker: if your blood pressure goes too high, it could impact your ability to hold a Commercial Driver's License.
Blood Pressure and Your CDL
Doctors will check your blood pressure during your DOT physical. If it's too high, you may receive a short-term medical certificate, indicating that you have to get it under control quickly. Or, in more severe cases, you could be temporarily disqualified until your blood pressure improves.
The Trucking Lifestyle: Challenging
The trucking life is hardly any different from other lives, but it carries its own particular blood-pressure-raising challenges:
Sitting for Long Periods: A seated position for hours each day contributes to weight gain, which raises your blood pressure.
Fast Food and Snacks: While convenient, truck stop food is actually full of salt and other terrible-for-you fats—the two biggest contributors to high blood pressure.
Stress behind the wheel: Tight schedules, traffic jams, and being away from home for long stretch can elevate your stress levels; not good news for your blood pressure.
Lack of Sleep: The two secondly identified causes of high blood pressure are a lack of sleep and an irregular pattern of sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea is reportedly a common condition in the trucking industry, mainly responsible for an increase in blood pressure.
Simple Tips for Keeping Your Blood Pressure in Check
Here's how simple it is to take care of your blood pressure. Sure steps to keep it in a healthy range:
Move around when you can: Make use of these breaks, get out of the cab, stretch, and walk around. Even a little bit of movement can help.
Eat Healthier: Try to choose healthier options while traveling, including fruits, vegetables, and low-sodium snacks. If time permits, prepare a couple of meals to avoid the temptation for fast food while on the go.
Reduce Stress: Incorporate relaxing music, deep breathing, or even a fast call to your special someone to help reduce stress while on the road.
Keep an Eye on Your Blood Pressure: Think about keeping a portable blood pressure monitor inside your truck with you. Checking it at regular intervals can help you catch problems early.
Prioritize Sleep: Try to have a routine sleep schedule, plus make your sleeping place as comfortable as possible, even in the cab.
Your health is the most important aspect of your life, for it keeps you on the move and therefore is your source of livelihood. Hypertension is a serious health problem that, with some little lifestyle modification, can be well managed. You taking care of yourself will not only protect your health but also your career. Next time you check your mirrors, take a moment to check in on your health, too.
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