High blood pressure or overweight?

I usually flunked the first BP test during my DOT physical, so I would lay on the table with the lights off and daydream I am a serial killer on the hunt for all my ex-wives. Very calming!

 

I believe the gov't is too scared to intervene on BMI. That would disqualify a large percentage of drivers. If they don't disqualify new they sure will in 5 years.


To the OP yeah the BP cutoff is 140/90 max. Your main concern should be your own health and get them numbers down if you are over. There's plenty of meds that will get you in range if not diet and exercise. Driving a truck will help you raise them numbers and make your situation worse. It's not the best lifestyle change to improve your health without strict discipline.

 

This is what i ''heard''.I did have the BMI Check this year during the DOT Physical...This IMO is another MONEY GRAB from YOUR elected officials...Many Peopla are missing all the points to these ''new'' Laws....

Laws= big money for Gooooberment...




The criteria is as follows:

Anyone with a neck circumference of 17 inches or larger
Anyone with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35% or greater
Also, a persons Height, weight and Age will be taken into account

If one falls within the criteria, he/she will only get a 3 month certification, and will be required to have rather expensive sleep lab testing done which was speculated that most insurances will not cover.

This testing will cost (possibly out of pocket) $1,000.00 to $3,000.00.

 

Do your own BMI CHECK....Don't be amazed when most people are considered ''OBESE''


http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmi-m.htm

 

The above are guidelines from medical associations and are not required by the FMCSA yet .

 

If you are over weight and/or have high blood pressure, get out and walk or do other exercise. Changing eating habits can reduce blood pressure and your waist line. You can eat fairly healthy on the road. You can carry your own food or substitute fruit for hash browns or potatoes. Most people who are obese consume a lot of carbohydrates and fats. Changing your eating habits can make a major difference in your weight and health. Buy the small or regular size chips or soft drink. Better yet, stay away from the chips all together and drink water instead of the soft drinks. In the mean time, you can go to a health food store and buy Hawthorn Berry for your blood pressure. You should see a difference in only a few days and without the side effects of blood pressure medicine. It is also much less expensive than blood pressure meds.

 

Wrong on the BP

And since we are there , regarding sleep apnea . No criteria on neck size or BMI

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm

 

Another thing about BP. If you tell the Dr. you're on blood pressure medication, you're only going to get a one year medical certificate. That's reguardless of what your BP actually is at the time of the physical, pending you're still under limit.

 

The form you have to fill out asks you to list all medications you are on . It wouldn't be wise to withhold information .