Healthy Trucking

by Jack Kelsh, professional driver

Preventive maintenance works on people, too

The company for which I drive recently notified all of us drivers that our health insurance rates are taking an incredible jump. In addition to that, our deductibles are tripling or quadrupling. Apparently, the insurance provider is paying out far more than it has taken in over the past year. There are thousands of people on the group policy that we have. Some of us, myself included, have never used the insurance for anything. But numerous others have obviously put to work the benefits of their policies.

     My premiums used to be completely paid for by the company. Now I am being charged a monthly rate and get less coverage. Where am I going with this? Ironically, there is now a big push toward a preventive approach to health care, by my company and many others, as well as the insurance companies. We need to learn to take better care of ourselves in order to prevent becoming sick, just as we insulate our windows and doors in the winter to prevent cold drafts and high heat bills. Sure, it would be easier to sit and watch a movie rather than put plastic over the windows, but it would be ultimately an expensive movie.

     Our health cannot be taken for granted. If we continue to abuse our bodies by overeating, eating the wrong things, never getting proper exercise, not drinking enough water, not breathing properly and not stretching our muscles, it’s going to take its toll on us. It’s going to be expensive, too.

     I know, because I used to weigh 365 pounds. It was hard to get around. My joints hurt. I had to have back surgery for a ruptured disc. I was constantly tired. My mental state was taxed to borderline depression, which compromised my entire immune system. Do you see how it all works together?

     I lost 180 pounds, and I have kept my weight steady for the last seven years. If I can do it, you can do it. There are some things that you must learn to do in order to help prevent getting sick, injured, chronically fatigued, uncomfortable, depressed or even killed. Not everything is obvious, though. Don’t listen to the ads or be fooled by fancy packaging of some foods. (I will discuss how to make healthier food choices in next month’s column.)

     There are so many things to be aware of with our health. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to practice them while being truck drivers, but it can be done. You can see what I did and order my book and 19th wheel on the Web site: safetythruwellness.com. If you are serious about gaining control of your weight and overall health, this will work for you. As always, I am here to help.

     Jack Kelsh is an over-the-road professional driver and a certified sports nutritionist.

 

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