Are you aware of all of the ways that your career can impact your health? Are you aware of the various risks that truckers face, both physically and emotionally? You might be surprised at the areas of your life that are threatened by what you do for a living. But being aware of the possible pitfalls will help you avoid them so that you can enjoy both your life and your job.
It is true that truckers face an increased risk for a number of health concerns, primarily stemming from obesity. Heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can result from long hours with no exercise and a high caloric diet. However, truckers also face a great risk for injury. They report a high number of back and neck injuries that result from unloading, as well as the time spent in the truck cab which is not designed for optimal spinal health. In fact, truckers have the highest number of musculoskeletal injuries of any group of workers in the United States. Truckers are also at risk for lung disease from chronic exposure to diesel fumes, toxic chemicals they transport, and a habit of smoking to relieve stress from being on the road.
The dangers truckers face also extend to their emotional lives as well, which in turn can have an impact on their physical well-being. The isolation that truckers can feel often leads to depression and loneliness. It is reported that truckers have the highest divorce rates in the nation, and many also face dependence on various chemicals as a result of frequently taking stimulants to stay awake. Addressing these various risks means many more years of safer, and happier, trucking.
