Over-the-road truck drivers are important to the country’s economy. Countless businesses and organizations rely on these professionals to deliver commercial and consumer products without fail. As important as they are to the economy and the nation, however, drivers themselves face unique medical risks that could jeopardize their ability to complete hauls. You can keep drivers healthy and ready to drive by undertaking lessons like DOT training certification and other transportation-related instruction designed to help you diagnose and treat people in the OTR industry.
Driving-Related Health Challenges
Drivers spend a lot of time sitting behind a steering wheel. They may spend up to 12 hours or more per day driving to meet deadlines, making it difficult for them to exercise on a regular basis.
Because they do not exercise as much as they should, people in this profession are often at risk of developing conditions like blood clots and back injuries. Blood clots form when people do not exercise their legs and lower parts of their bodies often. A clot can move quickly from a person’s leg to the brain or heart, resulting in immediate death or permanent disability.
Likewise, hours of sitting put pressure on drivers’ lower spines and discs. The discs and nerves wear out over time, resulting in intense pain and stiffness. People who spend their entire careers driving may end up with debilitating back injuries that require surgery. Some drivers are forced to retire early because of the excruciating pain that they experience on-the-job.
Finally, drivers also are at risk of gaining weight. They eat fast food or calorie-laden truck stop fare, putting on pounds quickly over the course of a few months or years. This excess weight gain results in these individuals developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. As a DOT-certified medical provider, however, you will have the know-how to help drivers overcome these diseases and enjoy longer and healthier careers. Continue reading “Treating Medical Issues Commonly Experienced by Over-the-Road Haulers”
