Every job comes with its hardships and affects one’s body differently. Some professions force you to live a lifestyle that might not be very beneficial for your health. Truck driving is one such type of job where the drivers are exposed to unhealthy lifestyles and cause a number of health-related issues. According to research and personal experiences of AZ services, here are some of the health problems that are pretty common in truck drivers:
Stress
Stress is the root cause of a wide variety of health issues. And in the trucking business, stress fills every aspect of the job. The drivers are usually stressed about delivering consignments on time, dealing with rash drivers on the road, delays due to traffic jams, getting proper tractor trailer roadside assistance, and more. Some other reasons that can also contribute to stress levels are isolation, being away from family for a long time, and sleep deprivation.
Obesity
Truck driving is a profession that requires you to sit in the same seat and posture for an extended period. Moreover, drivers usually take out fast food and handy meals for their lunches and dinners, which adds to their sedentary lifestyle. The inactive routine and unhealthy meals pave the way for altered bodily metabolism and cause rapid weight gain. However, altering eating habits to turn to a healthier lifestyle is relatively easy. Truckers can keep fresh fruits, vegetables, and dry fruits with them to eat when hungry, avoid sugary drinks, and include a 15-minute stretch or exercise in their daily routines.
Lung Cancer
According to the CDC, 70% of truck drivers are smokers. Along with cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust gas also contributes to not just lung cancer but many other deadly diseases. Many drivers believe that smoking helps them relieve their stress, but in the long run, it simply reduces the years they have left to live. However, as smoking is not the only culprit here, a truck driver can still get lung cancer even if they don’t smoke because of exposure to chemicals and gasoline fumes. To combat this issue, truckers should reduce their smoking frequency and try other methods to relieve stress. There should be enough air circulation in the driver cabin, and the drivers should ensure the vehicle smoke emission levels are within the recommended scale.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
As truck drivers are required to sit in the same position in their seats for extensive hours, it might cause severe back and neck problems. The overexertion of their bodies can also contribute to muscle spasms. If these aches and spasms are not attended to, they can convert into serious musculoskeletal injuries. Besides that, the loading and unloading of trucks are also huge factors responsible for skeletal and muscle injuries in drivers. Truck drivers should set a few minutes aside for stretching and exercising and sit in a relaxed posture to avoid overexertion on their bodies. They should also get a regular check-up and proper treatments if any problem arises.
Conclusion
Truck driving is a difficult job to do, which exposes the human body to unhealthy daily routines. With time, a number of health issues might develop, which can be very serious if not given attention. Truck drivers suffer from stress, obesity, lung cancer, and musculoskeletal injuries due to sedentary lifestyle, smoking, diesel exhaust, dealing with heavy materials, long sitting hours, and unhealthy meal consumption. Drivers should combat these issues by exercising for at least 15 minutes daily, eating healthy, quitting smoking, ensuring normal vehicle smoke emission levels, and having regular health check-ups.