Health and Fitness

[ConfusedMuse]

Another aspect to this is the list of ingredients in the food you purchase at the store.
Learn to read labels, read the list of ingredients, corn syrup in all it's various forms is in nearly every single product we buy ( there are exceptions, but, you have to look for them). Also just because a product has some sort of diet reference in it does not mean it is good for you. Check out the sodium content. It is possible to maintain some sort of exercise program in this business. It's hit and miss for most of us because we don't work a regular job BUT some is better than none. That any of us feel more qualified than the rest of us to lecture us on our lifestyle or how we choose to live our lives is their right. Some people just can't help themselves from sticking their noses into everyone's life.
There are exercises you can do even while driving and anything is better than nothing although a well rounded program reaps the most benefits. Everyone needs to find the perfect niche that fits THEIR BODIES.

 

[piper1]

Excellent, Humble!
PS How is one's neck circumference a controllable factor? Does losing weight & reducing blood pressure make a difference in that regard?

I often wondered that myself? My neck has not changed much since high school yet my waist certainly has. My neck (using the very scientific poke it with your finger test) appears to be very un fat.

 

[Humble2drive]

Excellent, Humble!
PS How is one's neck circumference a controllable factor? Does losing weight & reducing blood pressure make a difference in that regard?

Good question and very relevant since it is part of the criteria that may be used to determine our BMI and our fate as commercial drivers.

The use of neck circumference as a risk factor is the result of a generalization. In general, a large neck circumference is due to the build up of subcutaneous fat associated with overall weight gain. In these cases fat also deposits in the interior soft tissue structures of the neck narrowing the respiratory airways. This is absolutely a controllable factor and reducing body fat (not necessarily weight) is the key.

The problem with generalizations is that they don’t apply to everyone. Some people are genetically predisposed to a shorter or wider neck. Some people have greater muscle mass which can contribute to both neck circumference and weight.

This is why body composition (% body fat) needs to be included in any decision regarding a persons risk .

I want to commend you on doing an excellent job of controlling risk factor #7.

 

[bill98]

I try to get in 2 workouts a week
I belong to Any time Fitness their are 1300 in the US open 24/7 and they all have a free shower have to supply your own towel for only 25.00 a month NO contracts

 

[OntarioVanMan]

I think the BMI should NOT be used to determine a drivers health as a stand alone factor....

A history of ALL health factors should be used..after all you are talking of taking someones way of life away, living, from them....

 

[aristotle]

I just had the delicious buffet at Flying J.

Glass of water
Salisbury steak
Corn
Mashed potatoes
Bread roll
Peaches
Chocolate cake

I generally eat whatever I want. In moderation. Meaning, small portions and no seconds. When I begin to feel full, I stop. Portion size is really important. Many restaurants push huge, oversized portions. Don't feel compelled to eat everything placed in front of yourself. Mind over batter.

Plus, I am walking more and running less. My knees creak like old wood sometimes.

 

[CharlesD]

I joined a gym in my area that is a member of IHRSA. IHRSA is a nationwide alliance of health clubs that will for the most part honor one another's memberships. You can find an IRHSA member gym just about anywhere in the country. It's also a nice way for van drivers to get showers.

 

[flattop40]

After being diagnosed with diabetes in January of this year I have managed to drop over 30 lbs. There have been 2 major factors in the weight loss.

First was a change in diet. I cut out all sugared drinks including natural sugar such as juices. I removed all pastas from my meals and reduced breads when ever possible. I also increased the amount of water drank. I at one point was taking in over 100 ozs. per day, and yes it really cleaned out the ol' urinary tract. I have since cut back to 40-60 ozs.

Second I have started to walk around truck stop parking areas whenever possible. I like to take at least 4 trips around the perimeter of the semi parking. I figure each lap is well over 1/4 mile so with 4 laps I estimate on average at least 1 1/2 miles.

With these changes I have been able to get my sugar in line without medication and feel and look a hole lot better.

Just my 2 cents worth and no the level of stress hand nothing to do with it as I had more after being diagnosed than before.

 

[YarnDoll]

My husband and I have been cutting our calories a couple of ways. 1st: water is our primary drink. 2nd: we're trying to keep up our supplies of fruits, nuts, those 100 calorie bread rounds, lunch meat and other healthy foods, and keep away from fast food places. 3rd: when we do eat out we often share a meal. Restaurant portions are usually way too big anyway so we split it, cutting calories and costs. We have found that by eating smaller meals we're now used to small helpings and we get full faster.
As for exercise...I have a routine of exercises I do in the truck. But lately I’ve been doing some aerobics in the box. Reefer truck makes it nice. Cool it down first.