What is a good diet and exercise for truckers

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by macngeo, Nov 21, 2006.

  1. macngeo

    macngeo Bobtail Member

    27
    0
    Mar 26, 2005
    IL
    0
    Hello.
    A couple of months ago my husband was put on a heart monitor for 24 hrs, In that 24 hrs they found that his heart had stopped 3 times for 2.6 seconds.
    Now he is on a 30 day heart monitor, Doc said if his heart has stopped for 3 seconds he would need a pacemaker. I am in desprite help for exercises he can do while on the road. Keep in mind he is a runner and dont stop much, Also we have always ate what we wanted and I want to start a healthy diet for him because he is somewhat over weight. by 60lbs I do cook meals for him to take with him. and now that he comes home every weekend its much easier. Please any help I will take....
    Oh and bye the way I am on this site to help my husband of 17 yrs not looking for a man.
    Thank you Georgia
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Cybergal

    Cybergal Road Train Member

    6,272
    2,399
    Oct 20, 2008
    0
    A couple of exercises that my husband does while driving are arm movements one at a time, meaning....stretch arms out to the windshield and back like in boxing, this promotes circulation.

    Also he raises his knees to the steering wheel one at a time, this also helps with some cardiovascular circulation.

    He watches very carefully what he eats. Rice instead of potatoes, baked fish, skinless chicken, salads, some chinese foods and for snacks granola bars.

    When off duty....he walks as much as he can.
     
  4. pro1driver

    pro1driver Heavy Load Member

    939
    47
    Mar 30, 2006
    North East, USA
    0
    as for "exercising", one simple way would be to walk a bit more each day, and that can be done if he parks his rig a little furthur away from the truckstop building. this way, he HAS to walk a little distance each time. when at home, walking again around the block or up/down the street a few times, at a slow pace first, then build up to a faster pace a few weeks later. maybe you could do this with him........??

    as for food, just cut down on the portions, don't neccessarliy cut out everything, just yet. that might encourage over-eating to make up for the foods he misses. maybe more fruit, vegetables, at home and pack some for his road trips. this will fill him instead of candy, potato chips, etc.

    i would also recommend a certified nutritionist and your doctors recommendations for food/calorie intake, as they are professionals, and can guide him safely to weight loss and a healthier heart.
     
  5. DONNALOU

    DONNALOU Light Load Member

    142
    6
    Sep 28, 2005
    Louisville,Kentucky
    0
    There is what is called a "heart healthy diet" I don't know what all it calls for. But his doctor could give him the details.:)
     
  6. keelady

    keelady Light Load Member

    It would be more helpful to really know what is causing hubby's heart problems. If his cholesterol is high, then watching his saturated fat intake and eating things like oatmeal everyday can help with that. If it is his weight, then any diet that would help him lose weight will have an effect. If it is his inactivity, then slowly increasing his activity levels by walking and doing excercises (like Cybergal mentioned) should help. But just for general heart health, the things mentioned in the other posts should help. Thanks for posting this, and I hope this helps all of the drivers out there to do something to help keep their hearts healthy while on the road. The best time to get your heart healthy, is before you experience problems. Prevention is much easier than correction any day, but , as we all know, it is much easier to avoid prevention thinking we don't need it. I urge everyone who reads this thread to adopt one thing to help keep their heart healthy. Better to do it now than to wish you had done it later.
     
  7. possumbelly

    possumbelly Bobtail Member

    60lbs is not somewhat overweight, its WAY WAY overweight.
    I'm not being cruel or cold ,I have to take great pains to control that deadly fat.
    All the health tips you see here are not optional they must be followed.
    My Doc said behave or be a fat dead guy. No slack in that hand!!
    As soon as I get out of the cab I do a few jumping jacks, I look like a fool but I like life.
    Good luck to ya
     
  8. RGT

    RGT Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Dec 5, 2006
    0
    One of the hardest things to do is get regular exercise when you are on the road. They advertise a piece of equipment in the Trucker that seems to provide a gym type work out while drivers sit in theie seat, any time they want etc. I think it was called the truck gym
     
  9. themlilboots

    themlilboots Heavy Load Member

    906
    248
    Dec 9, 2005
    0
    When I drove truck I kept hand weights in the truck. I did sit ups in the bunk. I would do a lot of walking while waiting for my trailer to be unloaded. I stayed away from the buffet. The worse habit you can start is to eat while you drive. Once you start it is like smoking cigs, you will be constantly doing it. If you need food.....stop, eat something decent like a salad w/ chicken or tuna. The start driving again. Much better for your digestion and your waistline.
     
    Shardrk Thanks this.
  10. TruckDriver05

    TruckDriver05 Bobtail Member

    36
    5
    Sep 3, 2006
    Somewhere Out There
    0
    Hello. There are alot of different excersises that can be done right in the cab of the truck. Your husband should be able to get these from his doctor. If not, I can give you a copy of a full body work out that was given to me by a physical therapist. These excersises will help with his blood flow and flexability. The entire routine can be done from the privacy of his cab.

    When I first started driving I did excersies everyday and watched what I ate. The cooler in my truck was full of fresh fruits & vegetables, water and juice. I also kept alot of small cans of tuna. Within a couple months I was able to lose 30+lbs.

    I also agree that as a driver you shouldn't get in the habit of eating while driving. A friend of mine did this that started driving the same time I did and he gained all the weight that I had lost. He also spent alot of money everyday eating at truck stops.

    You hope you get the advice you were seeking. My yahoo and msn id are on my profile if you want to contact me. Best of Luck to your husband and his health.
     
    Everett Thanks this.
  11. redrocker1055

    redrocker1055 Light Load Member

    219
    11
    Nov 26, 2006
    michigan
    0
    Thats good advice. people blame the job And age on gaining weight.
    I have gained 2 pounds in 7 years of driving, while my brother has gained
    at least 60 pounds in his 15 years of driving... Just be smart, if you think it's bad for you...IT IS....:smt026 :smt026 :smt026
     
    Everett Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.