5 Practical Health Tips on the Road

Believe it or not, driving can also be a stressful activity. Being behind the wheel for hours at a time can take its toll on your health. You might experience headaches, back and leg pains, as well as hunger pangs at odd times.

In fact, a few road accidents can be attributed to drivers in bad health. For example: exhausted truck drivers who lack sleep and proper nutrition have been known to cause collisions. Any driver can tell how important it is to stay good shape even while traveling.

Although it’s a challenge, the following tips should help you remain healthy – even while on the road.

Easy Health Tips on the Road For Every Driver:

1) Choose comfortable clothing.

This might seem like a small detail, but what you wear can impact how you’d feel while driving. Pick light, comfortable fabrics such as cotton. Simply change to your actual outfit when you arrive at your destination. Try investing in good compression socks to keep your feet warm, and also prevent deep vein thrombosis during travel.

2) Pack healthy snacks and choose your meals during rest stops.

There are tons of healthy snack options on the Web. You can lookup recipes for homemade granola bars and trail mix on various websites. Not in the mood to cook or there’s simply no time? Opt for preservative-free beef jerky, low-sugar yogurt, and cut-up vegetables or fresh fruits for the journey.

If you’re stopping for meals, don’t just let your stomach take over. One of the most practical health tips on the road is to select wisely from the menu. Grilled or baked is better than fried, and make sure you add a bit of fiber (e.g. tossed salad) on the side.

3) Stay hydrated with water.

One of the most important health tips on the road is to drink lots of water. Whether it’s summer or winter, getting enough fluids is essential for overall performance and alertness. Plus, you remain fuller for longer.

Avoid soda or sweet drinks. Watch how many caffeinated beverages you drink as these can sometimes lead to dehydration. Just carry a water bottle with you and fill it up during your stops. It’s convenient, and gives you a reason to stretch your legs.

4) Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses.

Even if you’ll be behind the wheel, the sun can still cause problems. Make sure you pack the right sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself.

5) Make frequent stops (for rest and stretching).

NEVER attempt to keep driving when you feel yourself already drowsing off!

Take frequent breaks during daytime to get out and enjoy the view. Do some stretches or maybe even a quick jog if you can. If traveling with others, switch drivers so you can nap. Completely stop for the night to catch a solid 8 hours.

One of the leading causes of truck accidents on the road are exhausted drivers who keep pushing themselves past their limit. Keep yourself – and other motorists – safe on the road. Make sleep a priority, too.

Conclusion

These health tips on the road aren’t absolute – but they are vital to keep yourself on optimum condition when driving. Other things you should remember include: carrying an emergency kit, getting a medical before a long trip, and packing the meds you need.

Just because you’re driving doesn’t mean you should neglect your health.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident recently, get in touch with a legal expert right away. This is to help you determine the primary causes of the event. If this was about negligence on the truck driver’s part (e.g. exhaustion), an experienced truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.