Say What?

Question: How do you stay healthy on the road?

Clint Schindewolf, 26, Quincy, OH  
Professional driving experience: 5 years  
“I try to exercise as much as I can. I run around and play with the kids when I’m home. I eat right. That’s hard to do at most of these truck stops, so I usually pack my own lunch. I try to eat healthier foods when I do go into the truck stops restaurants or the fast-food restaurants.”

Carl Pott, 68, Charlevoix, MI   
Professional driving experience: 50 years  
“I’m pretty healthy, considering I’ve spent 50 years on the road. Like everyone, I’ve got some aches and pains. You just grin and bear it. I do a lot of exercise. Mainly walking, but if they need help loading or unloading, I dig into it. Why not get your exercise and help out at the same time?”

Craig Heitzig, 43, Jerseyville, IL
Professional driving experience: 27 years    
“It’s not easy. I do mostly short haul, so I’m in and out of the truck all the time. I know some guys who just sit in the truck for eight hours straight. If you want to stay healthy, you have to get out and move around.”

Paul Reynolds, 60, Williston, FL  
Professional driving experience: 20 years  
“I eat very little. I try to stay away from the fast-food garbage, which isn’t easy, but you can do it if you make the effort. I do a lot of cooking in the truck, and when I eat, I eat good food. However, I live off cigarettes and coffee – nicotine and caffeine – and that’s not healthy for anyone.”

Brian Cooper, 37, Woodville, Ontario, Canada  
Professional driving experience: 19 years 
“The secret? Cinnamon. It’s a natural herb that will lower your sugar count and your blood pressure. Put it on your toast and your oatmeal in the morning. You also have to exercise, and there’s no better exercise than walking. Keep walking. If you’re waiting to get loaded, go for a walk. If you go to a truck stop, park as far away from the entrance and walk. Eat vegetables. Stay as low carb as possible.”