Although quite a few jobs carry a risk of health issues, no other job is harsher on the body than that of a long-haul truck driver. Having a friend who has been employed as one for the past 10 years I have seen first-hand how the work conditions really are: unnatural schedules, many hours sitting on the vehicle and lack of access to good nutrition other than fast-food stores or pit-stop cafes. In addition, their work system do not normally allow for a regular fitness regimen.

Truck driver health issue is something that should really be addressed. This huge industry brings goods across the country every day, supplying our supermarkets and moving around our mail. Our long-haul transport professionals have to survive tough conditions in order to keep us well stocked, and in turn, we should put value on their well-being.

Thankfully, employers are also taking steps to address this problem, implementing programs to keep track and help improve the fitness of their valuable staff. As for my friend, he is currently working at Effective Logistics. His company started to implement programs to support those who are at risk of obesity and other conditions common to those in this profession. Moreover, they offer support for those who already have developed ailments during their employment, as was the case of my friend. He developed diabetes as a result of the lack of regular exercise and was overweight. He was connected to specialists who put him on a strict diet and training regimen.

These initiatives are definitely necessary, as there is actually a long list of ailments that are common to those in the trucking industry:

Obesity 

When you are sitting in a cab the whole day, trying to make it to your destination in good time, you suffer from a lack of adequate movement. In fact, only your feet and your arms get a bit of exercise at this time. The punishing work hours do not make it easy to head out to a gym for some training as well. It is no wonder then that most drivers struggle with their weight. 

What more, in the wee hours of the night, when they take a break, the restaurants offering healthier options are probably closed. On isolated roads, there is simply a lack of choice. There is also no opportunity to prepare their own meals, so they just have to eat what is available. High-fat and high-sugar products common to fast-food places can really have an effect on your waistline.

Diabetes

In addition to the lack of exercise and better nutrition, most drivers have to resort to drinking sodas or coffee with sugar to keep them awake on their journey. Sugar gives a jolt of energy so it is certainly the most popular snack to have when you have to work very long hours. Unfortunately, it can eventually lead to Type-2 Diabetes, another ailment common to those in the industry. 

High blood pressure and Hypertension 

All those burgers and the high-sodium fast food are also very punishing on your cholesterol levels and can put you at risk for future heart attacks. When you are in the cab, having a stroke that can debilitate you poses a serious hazard for all vehicles on the road.

Of course, the depressing part of this is that once you develop these ailments, they tend to be lifelong. This means that though your diabetes or hypertension can be controlled using medication, they can never be “cured” or reversed. One simply has to maintain a better lifestyle and hope that this can prevent complications or further sickness.

Sleep Apnea

In this industry, you have to get comfortable sleeping in a truck, in an unnatural sleep schedule. You might develop problems like sleep apnea as well. This is a condition where someone stops breathing while they sleep, increasing the risk of daytime sleepiness. It can also lead to congestive heart failure, and when one is tired on the wheel, possibly lead to accidents.

In fact, though it is a well-paid job, the conditions put off most applicants. Employers struggle to hire workers, so providing them with better conditions and other programs to support their health and well-being is key. Not only can they attract new talent, but they can also improve the lives of all their current staff. 

A great first step is to provide them with access to specialists that create special diet and fitness plans tailored to their schedule and being on the road all the time. Frequent checks can catch risks earlier, and trigger the need to see a doctor. Other programs like support groups, options to bring, store or prepare their own food and even financial incentives to stay fit also help bring good results. 

In the end, drivers like my friend love their profession, and with support from their employers they can continue performing their jobs well and remain in good physical shape. After all, good health is what makes them more efficient and productive in their job.

For a lot of people, living near the beach can be risky. There’s the danger brought about by storms, the potential of a flood, and even threat of being exposed to polluted water. However, it is an old belief that there are also health benefits living near ocean. 

Owning a house that is a short drive from the beach makes a person have a different perspective in life. He knows how to appreciate the simple life because feeling the fresh air and sun on your skin is enough to experience joy and contentment. But for a more convincing note, there are several benefits that one should consider when getting Chilli Realty’s new offer of living in an apartment near the beach. 

Access to a Therapeutic Pool

A beachfront property gives unlimited access to your very own therapeutic pool. Seawater is known to promote health as it contains minerals like magnesium and potassium. Magnesium calms the nerves that is why having a dip in sea water is very relaxing. The potassium content, on the other hand, promotes a good urinary flow. All the known elements inside the body can be found in saltwater and they help the lymph system in removing harmful toxins. Regular bathing in salt water can also increase skin elasticity and improve its overall appearance.

Promotes an Active Lifestyle

The beach is home to many fun activities. You can play games, run through the beach front, or simply take a swim regularly. Swimming remains to be one of the best forms of exercise and it will do you good to do it at least once or twice a week. When you are this close to an active environment, you become interested in maintaining an active lifestyle. This, in turn, will make your body lean and fit and will encourage you to keep that healthy body. Once you become accustomed to being active, you become passionate at promoting it to your family and friends and will find no trouble sticking to being healthy at all times.

Skin Aid

As the largest organ of the body, the skin is prone to many conditions because of ts exposure to the environment. Some skin conditions are treated with low- level UV rays. Living near the beach assures free treatment for psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin disorders. However, much care should be taken as overexposure to the sun can also lead to other conditions or worsen the existing diseases.

Mood Enhancer

The sun has a direct effect on a person’s mood. The relaxed feeling is magnified because endorphin or the happy hormone, becomes free-flowing when you are exposed to sunlight. This chemical is a natural feel- good stimulant and is released in heaps when you are near the beach. This is why you instantly feel uplifted when you see the sun, sand, and sea.

Immuno Booster

Sunlight is also a great source of vitamin D. This vitamin is not only good for strengthening the bones but also with boosting the immune system. Autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s Disease are associated with vitamin D deficiency. Aside from keeping the immune system at its best, having enough vitamin D is also said to prevent various types of cancer especially skin cancer.

Respiratory Aid

Taking a deep breath of sea air is one of the best treatments for people who are suffering from respiratory illnesses. Those who have trouble breathing because of asthma, cough, sinusitis and bronchitis will find themselves getting better even with just a day at the beach. Imagine how much relief it would be when you are able to have an unlimited supply of sea air at home!

Promotes Restful Sleep

Sea air contains negatively charged ions that enhance oxygen absorption. These ions also balance serotonin levels that affect mood and stress. When you inhale sea air, you become alert, relaxed, and feel more energized thereby making it easier for the body to rest and sleep soundly.

The beach evokes a feeling of serenity. Aside from it being a marvelous beauty, the benefits that it gives the body is more than enough reason to try your best at snagging a beachfront property. Securing an apartment that is either in front of the sea or, at least, a few minutes away from it will give you the assurance that you will reap the benefits as soon as you live in it.

Living near the sea will always remind you to breathe in fresh air. It will be a simple way of rejuvenating yourself and lets you free from all kinds of stress. You get to enjoy the multiple health benefits without worrying about extra costs. But it is not only the body that needs healing. The soul needs to be refreshed too and the simplest way to do this is by spending a few calming minutes facing the sea. Truly, a beach life is a remedy of sorts.