Mark Boyce

by Chelle Pfiffner, M.S., ACSM-HFI, NASM-CPT

Trucker finds wellness on the Big Road

At 49 years of age, professional driver Mark Boyce always knew his rig was headed in the right direction, but it was his health that had him potentially on the road to disaster.
     During Mark's DOT medical exam, “my doctor came down on me really hard,” says Mark, a veteran long haul driver. He was overweight, had high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol and suffered from interrupted sleep.
     Mark knew if he didn't do something, he risked eventually losing his livelihood (CDL license.) Based on his risk factors for cardiovascular disease, he risked having a heart attack, perhaps even while driving.
     But where to start? For most truckers, wellness on the “big road” doesn't seem possible. Spending endless hours on the road with limited food choices, rare exercise opportunities, unpredictable sleep patterns and constant stressors are just a few of the roadblocks.
     For Mark, his first step was enrolling in his company's wellness program provided by J&K Health Consulting. He got the needed advice and encouragement to improve his food choices and add physical activity to his routine while on the road.
     After less than 90 days, Mark shared that he feels a whole lot better. His blood pressure is consistently down, and so is his weight. “I now have more energy,” Mark says happily. “I am eating better, and I'm even liking it. Oh, and my attitude has changed, too. I feel like I'm able to control myself better, and I have more confidence!”
     His advice to fellow professional drivers is to do a few Healthy Road Tips one week at a time. “It worked for me!” he concluded. As a result of participating in the wellness program, Mark said, “My Wellness Coach saved my life! My doctor said that I had one foot in the grave.”
Big Road Wellness® Tips
1.     Eat three meals a day. Instead of skipping meals, Mark planned his schedule to understand when and where he would eat three meals instead of one or two “pig out” meals.
2.     Snacks on board. He no longer relied on “fast food” choices to fight off hunger, boredom and fatigue. Mark began grocery shopping and stocked food items on his truck such as almonds, raisins, beans, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and high fiber wheat bread.
3.     Do the trade. He traded a 12-pack of coke each day for water and vita drinks.
4.     Create movement. He looked for ways to get out of his seat and move more such as parking his rig at the furthest point in the parking lots.
5.     Do something every day. He scheduled 10-minute fitness breaks into his daily trip planning by doing sit-ups and push-ups in his cab.
     To learn more about healthy trucking, visit
bigroadwellness.com or call 800-664-7515.