Is Truck Driving Hard On Your Body? 3 Ways to Combat It
Truck Drivers
Aug 10, 2022
If you’re considering going into the long-haul truck driving field, you may wonder, “Is truck driving hard on your body?”
Everyone knows that there are health risks associated with most occupations, and long-haul truck drivers are not exempt. Truck driving requires sitting for hours on end, exposure to various pollutants and elements, countless hours of being alone, and more.
In short, yes, truck driving can be hard on your body if you do not actively do things to combat it. Thankfully, though, there are many fairly easy things that every truck driver can do to minimize the effects of driving.
Want to learn more about how you can combat the negative effects of long-haul driving? Keep reading below.
Is Truck Driving Hard on Your Body? Here’s What You Can Do to Fight It
Is truck driving hard on your body? Well, like most jobs, truck driving comes with a lengthy list of associated risks. The good news is that by implementing several daily habits, you can avoid most of these adverse effects and continue living a normal, healthy life!
Here are a few ways that truck driving can be hard on your body and some things you can do to combat them:
- Truck Driving Can Cause Premature Aging on One Side of Your Body
As crazy as it sounds, hours spent on the road can result in the left side of your upper body aging faster than the rest of your body. The sun’s damaging and harmful rays that shine through the driver’s side window can cause your left arm and the left side of your face and neck to age more quickly.
Glass does a decent job of filtering out UVB rays; however, it doesn’t do much to block UVA rays. Many windshields are treated to protect drivers and passengers from some UVA rays, but side windows usually are not. UVA rays can damage skin cells’ DNA, resulting in premature aging.
How to Combat It: Despite being inside your vehicle, drivers who want to avoid this problem should be vigilant about wearing sunscreen (and reapplying!) throughout the day. For additional protection, pair a shade hat and a long-sleeved shirt with your daily SPF.
- Truck Driving Can Lead to Obesity and Other Health Issues
Did you know that truck drivers are twice as likely to be overweight? Truck driving can take a major toll on your physical health. You are more likely to experience various health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, hypertension, sleep disorders, and more!
Because of a poor diet on the road and the sedentary nature of the industry, a large number of truck drivers are obese. Obesity causes the heart to work overtime as it becomes more challenging to pump blood to every organ throughout the body.
This condition is also linked to several other chronic health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint problems, depression, cancer, and more.
How to Combat It: Thankfully, all the effects of obesity can be avoided if you lose weight before you’re in too deep. Aim to eat a low-calorie diet, heavy in fruits, vegetables, protein, and unrefined carbs, even though the unpredictable schedule of most truckers makes this difficult.
Additionally, implement an exercise routine three to five days a week for 30 minutes. These sessions can make a world of difference. Take walks, use resistance bands, incorporate weights, and core and functional strength training.
- Truck Driving Can Be Lonely and Isolating
The job of a truck driver is inherently solitary, which can be extremely lonely for many people in the industry. Studies have confirmed that one of the most common mental health disorders among truck drivers is loneliness.
While the occupation provides security and a unique opportunity to see the United States on someone else’s dime, it can undoubtedly take a huge toll on the driver, their family, their social life, and their overall wellbeing.
How to Combat It: The best way to handle loneliness on the road is to keep in touch with those who matter most to you. This might mean investing in smartphone data so you can engage in regular video calls, Bluetooth voice calls, and text messages. It could also mean building relationships with other drivers over the radio.
A few other ways to combat loneliness are keeping a schedule on the road, bringing pictures along for the ride, trying to meet up with other people on your trip, and, if allowed, traveling with your pet. You can learn more here.
Want to Ease the Negative Effects of Truck Driving? Get EpicVue!
Is truck driving hard on your body? In short, yes. But it doesn’t have to be! By implementing these few things, drivers can combat most of the issues the job brings.
One of the best ways to combat the negative effects of truck driving is by equipping your vehicle with EpicVue, an excellent way to get premium in-cab satellite television right from the comfort of your own truck! Enjoy the comforts of home, regardless of where you are, with satellite TV that lets you stay connected.
With EpicVue, drivers can enjoy their mandatory rest time and watch their favorite shows or catch up on the latest sports events or news while on the road. It offers them a tiny piece of home and familiarity, allowing them an effective way to unwind.
Watching TV throughout a long-haul drive can help counteract feelings of loneliness and isolation, keeping drivers happy and healthy, making them more likely to stay on with your fleet, significantly reducing the tedious and expensive recruitment cycle, and improving retention.
This gesture is meant to create appreciation, loyalty, and commitment between drivers and their fleets. Whether you own your rig or are a part of a fleet, EpicVue is a great addition to your truck.
The benefits you and your team will experience make EpicVue well worth the investment! With hundreds of premium channels, truck drivers are sure to find something they want to watch, regardless of their unique preferences. Contact our team today to learn more!
