Question
Blood Clots Can Pose A Danger To Commercial Drivers;
Simple exercises can be performed, to prevent blood clots and can be done while driving and during non-driving activity's. Getting up and moving, is also another great way to help prevent blood clots from forming in diviers legs and feet, according to American Physiclal Therapy Association. Blood Clots can form in drivers legs and feet due to long hours of inactivity. Once one of these killer clots form, they can dislodge and hit the heart or lungs and kill a driver instantly.
Below is a recommendation from the Association that will help prevent clots, muscle contration and stiffness and fliud build-up in the legs while performing driving and non-driving activities.
Heel Raises:
Sit with feet and heels flat on the floor, about hip-width apart. This can be acheived by sitting your seat adjustment, so that you have no presure under your legs, from the seat. Lift the heels so that only the toes and balls of the feet are on the floor. Hold for five to ten seconds and lower feet back to the ground. Repeat ten times.
Toe Lifts:
Sit with feet flat on the floor, about hip-width apart. Lift the toes and the balls of the feet so that only the heels are on the floor. Hold for five or ten seconds, then lower feet to the ground. Repeat movement ten times. (Here I like to stretch my toes)
Ankle Circles:
While sitting still in your truck during a non-driving activity, lift the right leg slighty off the ground and rotate the foot clockwise, making a circle in the area. Do this 15 times clockwise, then 15 counterclockwise. Repeat with the left leg and foot. Or trace the letters of the alaphabet in the air with the right, then the left, foot.
Overhead Stretches:
During a non-driving activity stand in the cab or outside your truck, then reach straight up with the arms and stretch. Lean slowly to the left, then to the right, bending at the waist. Repeat five times to each side and hold each stretch for five to ten seconds. If you can't stand and stretch, then reach arms straight up while seated. If there's room in the truck, slowly stretch to each side as well.
Back Twists:
While sitting during a non-driving activity, reach the right arm across the body and grab the left armrest. Slowly turn the torso and head as far to the left as comfortable. Hold for five or ten seconds. Repeat five times, then switch sides.
Curl Downs:
While sitting during a non-driving activity, pull the stomach and chin in, then gently curl the trunk down slowly, reaching hands to the floor. Hold for five or ten seconds, then uncurl slowly back up. Repeat five times.
All of the above are great to help increased circulation during long driving periods and work days. I have done all of the exercises while waiting on loads, or during my break times, or during en-route insp. These exercises will help you in maintaining good health and circulation, thereby stoping one of the industrys killers.
Catch you on the flip!
Answer
Update;
These simple exercises can also help with back injuries.
Catch you on the flip!