Question
Like some of the other individuals who had talked about bp, Mine is also at 140, with medication. I am trying to drop the weight but at times its seems like a lost cause. I am in a very stressful environment (mutual fund accting)which is all mental. My thinking has been that if I can find something physically demanding then I would have a better shot of getting both under control. To that end I am seriously considering tractor trailer driving as I find driving fun (in spite of $%#@ drivers who come from the lower end of human gene pool or should I say intellectually challenged?). I am in the process of evaluating the trucking industry. Medical Question:, how is Sleep Apnea considered? I never knew I had it but apparently I have had it for years. I also wear two hearing aids. I have a db loss of 65 without using them (I have them on all the time except at night). these are my main concerns of medical issues. Otherwise I feel like I am in good shape even if I am continuously fighting a losing battle of the bulge. Look forward to hearing from you or anyone with suggestions/comments.
Answer
Well, I'm not sure that choosing the trucking industry as a weight loss tool or stress reduction plan is going to produce the results you want. Drivers encounter high levels of stress in the performance of their jobs on a daily basis. If you are seriously researching the industry, I suggest you go down to the local truckstop. Sit down in the coffee shop and pick the brains of a few or 20. Specifically ask them about stress, you may be amazed at what you hear.
As for weight loss, you will be almost as sedentary behind the wheel of the truck as you are at the desk.
A large percentage of drivers are extremely obese. Fast and snack foods seem to be the major culprit. Why? Because schedules are tight and it's go,go,go! No time to sit down for a baked or broiled meal. And to prepare your own meals in the truck takes some effort, planning, and imagination on your part. Not to mention purchasing the necessary items to do it. But it can be done.
Exercise for the trucker is another issue that requires some effort, planning and imagination. I know some who strap a bicycle to the back of the cab and ride whenever they can, some carry roller blades. Some carry hand and leg weights as well.
Opting for the parking space waaaaayyyyyy away from the building makes getting a brisk walk into your schedule a little easier. Using the stairs instead of the elevator is another way to slip alittle physical exercise in. In most truckstops they are seldom used, so take advantage of them. Who cares if you only have to go up on flight? Go up 4 then come back down.
But all of these measures can be done in your current profession as well.
Just make sure you are getting into trucking for the right reasons. Your stress and weight concerns ain't it.
As far as sleep apnea goes, have the physician who is treating you write a statement that indicates the severity of it, the treatment plan, and how the treatment is releiving the problem. If medications are part of the plan, the physician must indicate whether these will affect your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
There are currently no regulations for medical certification that specifically cover a diagnosis of sleep apnea.
Good luck to you and let us know how things play out.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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