Life on the road

Healthy lifestyles a win-win for carriers and drivers

A study conducted by J & K Health Consulting, LLC in 2006 found that the average medical cost per mile for carriers was four cents. These are projected to increase considerably over the coming years unless carriers adopt wellness programs to bring these costs down.
     You could maintain your unhealthy lifestyle if you wish, but maybe a change could benefit you as well as your company. Unless you want to end up with diabetes, obesity or lung cancer and shorten your career (or even your life), you should take advantage of any opportunities you have to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
     Sure, it’s nice to think that your carrier wants you to lose weight, sleep better and become fit because they care about you, but the ultimate motivation is their bottom line. The healthier you are, the less they pay in insurance premiums, the fewer worker’s compensation claims they’ll face and the less sick days they’ll have to worry about.
     You might even be able to make more money (for you and for them) if you have the energy and stamina to run more miles when they’re available (and it’s legal to do so). As a bonus, you’ll certainly have more energy to enjoy your time with your family at home.
     The lifestyle of an over-the-road driver is not easy, and it’s even harder to eat healthy and get enough exercise. An American Dietary Association study found that 86 percent of professional drivers were overweight and more than half are considered obese.
     With the aging driver population and the need to cut health care costs, more carriers are turning to wellness programs for their driving fleet. It’s to your benefit to take advantage of these opportunities. This article isn’t about reminding you to lose weight, quit smoking and start exercising; it’s about how to get the help and motivation you need.
     No one can change your life for you. Once you decide to take advantage of the industry’s new attitude toward wellness, start asking your company benefits coordinator what is available. Check out what the travel centers are offering for healthy eating choices.
     Find out if your carrier offers sleep apnea testing or smoking cessation programs for drivers. Maybe your company offers weight loss information or nutritional counseling. Ask for prescription drug discounts and dental plan options. If your carrier is serious about reducing health care costs, it is probably looking at these and other programs now.
     Living a healthier lifestyle won’t only benefit your company; it will be to your advantage and that of your family. Check out your options, ask your carrier for its help in providing the incentives you need to change your eating and exercise habits and reduce your (and your carrier’s) medical costs in the coming year.
     Source: Women in Trucking (WomenInTrucking.org)