National Sleep Awareness Week

March 6-12 is National Sleep Awareness Week.  We all know how important it is for professional drivers to get a good night's rest.
Here is some practical information from Connect Care 3. Find more in their monthly P.E.P. Talk Newsletter

How much sleep do you get a night? Many people do not get the recommended amount of sleep and suffer negative consequences because of it.  Most people that have pulled an all-nighter know that lack of sleep can make you cranky, forgetful and stressed out. But did you know that lack of sleep can cause a wide range of health issues including weight  gain, elevated blood pressure and increased risk of accidents?

While it’s tempting to skip sleep in favor of doing something we deem more productive, that is a bad idea. Rest and recovery are vitally important to our health.  Our physical health, our emotional health and our mental health can all be affected by sleep or the lack of it. Doing a few simple things can help prepare your mind and body for sleep. Exercise can help you sleep more deeply, provided you exercise earlier in the day or afternoon. Set your room up as an area for sleep, not television watching or work. Make sure your room is dark enough and, if you can, turn off your mobile devices up to an hour before bedtime.  By tweaking your sleep habits just a bit, you might find yourself feeling a bit more energetic and healthy. Give it a try!

Driver Routines - Daily Stretching

In our last blog post, we discussed some tips for Healthy Eating from the PMTA.  In her article on healthy routines for truck drivers, Taylor Pettis went on to describe the stretches in this chart and how they can help truck drivers improve their well-being.

Driving is rough on a truck driver's back, shoulders and neck. Getting out and walking around a few times a day can make a big difference!  Try these stretches to help. Even if you don't have time to do them all during a stop or break, do one or a few of them; picking up where you left off next time.

1. Hamstrings: Cross your right foot over your left.  Keeping your legs straight, bend at the waist and reach to your toes.  Hold for 15-30 seconds and switch sides.
2. Quads: Grab you right ankle with your right hand and pull your foot toward your butt until you feel the stretch in the front of your thigh.  Hold for 15-30 seconds and switch sides.
3. Hips:  Lunge forward with your weight on your right foot. Put both hands on your hips and hold.  Switch sides.
4. Forearms: Cross your wrists with the thumbs pointed downward.  Clasp hands together. Straighten your arms and rotate shoulders by your back. Hold.
5. Wrists: Put palms together like you're praying. Tilt your fingertips toward your chest and hold for 15-30 seconds.
6. Shoulders: Put one arm over your head and grasp the elbow with your other hand. Pull the elbow toward your head and back. Hold and switch arms.
7. Upper Back: Stand with your feet hip distance apart on a mat. Hinge forward at the waist and plant your hands on the mat. Step feet back until you're in a push-up position.  Lift your hips to the ceiling until your body makes an inverted "V" shape. Press your chest toward your knees. Hold stretch.
8. Lower Back: Stand with your arms extended vertically overhead. Lift your chest up and arch your back. Bring the arms back as far as possible.
9. Glutes: Lie on a mat and bend your knees. Cross one lower leg over the thigh of the other leg. Grab the back of the thigh with both hands. Pull your leg towards your torso. Hold and repeat on the other leg.

For more free, healthy tips, visit The Healthy Trucker 

Driver Routines - Healthy Eating

A recent edition of Penntrux magazine, the official publication of the PMTA (Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association) featured a good article by Taylor Pettis about healthy routines for truck drivers.  We all know that, as a truck driver, it can be challenging to establish a healthy routine.  Here are some of the PMTA's tips for Healthy Eating:

1. Healthy eating starts where you stop. It's easy to eat fast food; however, good choices are limited.  Expand your choices by stopping at a grocery store that offers healthy foods such as fruits, bagged carrots, nuts, hummus, etc.
2. Eat frequently, and in smaller amounts. Eating small amounts of healthy foods during the day sends a signal to your brain that the food supply is abundant. Eating more often, in smaller amounts, will give you more energy!
3. Protein, protein, protein. The right amount of protein for your weight and activity level stabilizes blood sugar enhances concentration, and keeps you lean and strong.  Think: chicken, turkey, etc.
4. Reach for fruit. Fruit - nature's candy - should be consumed 5 times a day.  Many convenience stores offer a selection.
5. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will flush your body of toxins, reduce risk of cancer, and help you eat less.
6. Track your calories. Use a Fitbit or a smartphone app like My Fitness Pal to help!