Sedentary Job Risks by Dr. John McElligott
Anyone, including a trucker, who has periods of prolonged sitting, is at higher risk for all-cause mortality.
SINCE 1989, I’VE EXAMINED AND CARED FOR THOUSANDS OF TRUCK DRIVERS as a physician and a DOT examiner. Apologies to those drivers who were my first exam “victims,” for having them do jumping jacks and pushups. Very few had medical issues back then, and virtually all saw a doctor two to three times a year. As time passed and FMCSA regulations became more complex, I noticed a change in truckers. In the mid to late 90s, I began
seeing a different driver with a different body configuration and different health issues. Diversity in the form of more female drivers and ethnic groups resulted in their own unique health issues. As attitudes about personal health
changed, most drivers still had a doctor relationship, but more started saying, “I just don’t have time to see my doctor.” In 2002, I began visiting truck stops on my own, both locally in Knoxville, Tennessee and during out-of-state travels. By 2006, it became very apparent that I didn’t have to travel to foreign countries to save lives.
Rather, I could go to any truck stop. That begged the question: what happened to the truckers who could do jumping jacks and push-ups, and had doctors they could see when they were home?
I’m not saying I have all the answers, but I do know OTR drivers suffer medically more than any profession I’ve seen during my medical career. When it comes to personal health, it’s time to make a change. OTR drivers, carriers and organizations must emphasize and make time for preventive maintenance. For now, learn what Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) means to your health! Understand that a person’s physical activity is a continuum of good quality sleep, minimal sitting, and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Health conditions and risk factors cannot be easily erased, but they can be greatly diminished with regular participation in an MVPA program in conjunction with smoking cessation, obesity elimination, and access to healthcare in a real-time manner. God bless truckers. To learn more, go to http://aceoneprod5.com/docjmd
Read the full article in RoadKing Magazine starting on Page 38: https://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=475072#{“issue_id”:475072,”page”:38}
