New Medical Certification Requirements.VERY IMPORTANT

It is good that you are taking a proactive approach, Robbie! You are right, healthy eats/small gyms would do drivers well at truck stops! This would be a nice thing to see change. Keep up your approach, though, if you can find a chance to exercise, please do so. Here is a link from the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) that is a 7-8 minute routine!! Make sure you have clearance from your doctor first, however studies have shown that even doing this exercise affords cardiovascular benefits (which should help your BP, resting pulse, and so forth).

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/09/the-scientific-7-minute-workout/?ref=health&_r=0

It is simple to follow and you don't need much equipment besides your self, some athletic shoes, and perhaps a chair. I've done it before and it is intense. Start out slow.

Here are some other basic exercises from this blog:

http://www.bayandbay.com/news/2013-...-truck-driving-jobs-a-healthier-career-option

Lunges, squats, push-ups, planks, etc. can all be done without any equipment but your body weight and are very effective!

You are on the right track and I think it is important to spread healthy lifestyles, especially for the drivers that I see in my clinic. Getting BP managed with medications is important, however long-term more drivers need to focus on movement/exercise and healthy eating/sleeping patterns.

Especially in light that most drivers struggle with weight issues and blood pressure issues. Note, that even if your BP is managed and well within a good range with medications, you still can only get a year maximum. You can always get back to a 2 year medical card if you keep your BP down without meds. Keep up your approach and you will do just that.

 

Polls show that the majority of drivers want buffet tables and smoking lounges.

 

Here is some websites for AL, but I imagine it will be pretty much the same in all states.

Do not enter any info into the official website unless you are prepared to mail off a copy of the medical form, you have only 10 days I believe to get it into them. I sent husbands by registered mail.

I was told on checking with DMV that they would mail a reminder that the med card had to be submitted to state also, this did not occur, so don't wait on them to send it to you.
AL was requiring this to be done by Oct 1, 2013.


A website with AL info and links available:

http://dotphysicaldoctor.com/al/


The official AL online website:

https://dps.alabama.gov/CDL/Default.aspx

This is from the Question section of official website:

Q. What if I am an existing CDL holder who does not have a license renewal,
upgrade or transfer between January 30, 2012 and January 30, 2014?

A. You are responsible for providing Alabama DPS with your self-certification of
operating status by October 1, 2013. If required, you must also provide your
current medical examiner’s certificate and if applicable any variance (waiver)
document by October 1, 2013.

• Because Alabama is already collecting this information to “get ahead of the
game” we are accepting the information now on any CDL holder.


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Q. After I provide the Alabama Department of Public Safety with my unexpired
medical examiner’s certificate, do I still have to carry an original or copy of
my medical examiner’s certificate?

A. Yes, until the program is fully implemented on January 30, 2014, you will still have to carry an original or copy of the medical examiner’s certificate and provide a copy to
your employer for your driver qualification file. After the 2014 date if a driver has a
variance (waiver) this must always be in the drivers possession when operating a
commercial vehicle.

Q. What should I (as a driver) do with the medical examiner’s certificate
beginning on January 30, 2014?

A. After you provide Alabama DPS and your employer with the medical examiner’s
certificate (card), the medical examiner’s certificate (card) will only be valid to
present to law enforcement for the first 15 days after it was issued, after that time the
information will be accessed by law enforcement via CDLIS. Your medical
examiner’s certification information will be recorded on your driving record and will
become the valid version of your medical certification (card).


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Q. What happens if my medical examiner’s certificate or variance expires before I
provide the Alabama Department of Public Safety with a new one?

A. Alabama DPS will notify you that you are no longer medically certified to operate a
CMV in non-excepted Interstate commerce. If a current medical examiners
certificate and if applicable the variance (waiver) is not received within 45 days all
your CDL privileges will be removed from your license.

Q. How can I get back my CDL privileges?

A. If the medical examiner’s certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one and
provide it to the Alabama DPS, and if applicable, if the variance has expired, you
must renew it with FMCSA and provide it along with your medical certification to
Alabama DPS. NOTE: Re-examination will be required if your Alabama CDL has
expired over three (3) years.