Being a trucker comes with a lot of responsibility. Taking a sick day is often out of the question because someone cannot just drive and meet up with you to take over your duties. You could have a stomach illness, a bad headache, or just a day where you feel under the weather. Preparation and prevention can help keep you healthy for the open road.
Follow this trucker’s guide to learn about ways to manage illness, continue your job, and get better quickly.
Daily Preventative Help
Taking on a sickness after it sets can be difficult. If you take the time beforehand to improve your health, then you can prevent a lot of ailments in the first place. One of the first places to start is with daily vitamins. Vitamins can help boost your immune system and give your body extra energy.
Vitamin C is a natural immune boosters and provide an extra boost as your body fights off viruses. Vitamin D can help with your bone health and research studies have shown that it reduces blood pressure. A doctor may do blood work to see specific vitamin levels and recommend supplements for you.
Along with taking vitamins, stay hydrated on the road. Always have fresh water available. Dehydration can lead to many health problems including muscle stiffness, fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. Also consider sports beverages, which include electrolytes and other ingredients to help keep you hydrated as you drive.
When you eat on the road, your daily choices can make a difference on your overall health. Choose clean and fresh options like fruit and vegetables. At rest stops, try to avoid fried food options. With fresh options, you can avoid stomach ailments along with other issues like heartburn.
Seasonal Health
Some health ailments only occur seasonally. Treat the issues beforehand to avoid emergency situations on the road. For example, in the spring and summer, you may suffer from allergies due to pollen and other particles in the air. A prescription for allergy medication can give you a way to deal with the onset of sneezing and congestion.
In the winter, colds and viruses tend to spread around. You could become more vulnerable as you stop at multiple businesses and rest stops. Consider getting your flu shot in the early fall to help build up antibodies and reduce the chance of virus-related illnesses.
Medical Kit
A first-aid kit is ideal for cuts and injuries, but you should prepare your own personalized health kit for the road. Stay healthy with easy access to medication like ibuprofen or a cough suppressant. Consider liquid stomach relief or pill-based stomach relief to have in case you get an upset stomach. If you frequently get heartburn, then consider heartburn medication.
You know your body well, so consider what ailments you suffer from the most and have products ready. Also consider packing options for a sleeper cab. If you drive long distance trips, you may want to consider sleep aids like an eye mask or specific scented lotions to help you sleep. A full night’s rest can make a big difference in the way you feel during the day.
Health Apps
When you are not feeling well on the road, you could run into challenges as you seek medical help. Your regular doctor is often back at home. Consider other resources for quick help on the road. Many health apps allow you to look up symptoms and see what conditions you may have.
For more direct answers, consider apps that connect you to health professionals. You can often access this direct help quickly, without the need to make an appointment weeks into the future. With telehealth options, you can conduct video calls directly with nurses and doctors. You can go over your ailments and receive guidance for treatment. Video connections may also allow you to show doctors any physical symptoms you have.
In many cases, the doctors can issue prescriptions and you can find a nearby pharmacy to pick up medicine. You’ll be able to get treatment quickly instead of having to wait until you’re back home again.
Driving Partners
Another way to help with illness on the road is with the use of a driving partner. When you have a co-pilot travel with you, you do not need to constantly push yourself to the limit. While one person drives, the other one can get some rest. If you feel unwell, the other person can take over driving duties while you focus on making yourself better.
If the other driver is sick, then you can focus on driving. You will not lose travel time and everyone involved can remain healthy along the way. Some trucking companies may offer extra drivers, or you can find another trucker who will travel with you.
Once you create a system that works, you can avoid illness or any of the other problems associated with being sick on the road.
If you’re shopping for a truck, check out our options at Arrow Truck Sales. We can help you find a truck to fit your needs. We also help you find a truck with the features and amenities to focus on your health and overall well-being.