Driver Wellness
Jan 22, 2016
Driver Wellness
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Session Objectives
Understand why wellness matters
Manage fatigue and stress on the job
Prevent colds and flu
Avoid crime and violence
Live a healthy, productive lifestyle
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Why Wellness Matters• Many accidents are health related, which
makes wellness an important safety factor• Being healthy helps you function better on
and off the job• Wellness keeps you on the job earning a
paycheck• Preventing illness and disease allows you to
live a more comfortable, longer, happier life
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Fatigue• Increased risk of
making mistake
• Inattention contributes to 50% all crashes
• Fatigue is factor in 15% of fatal crashes
• Fatigue affects reflexes, judgment, concentration, alertness, and mood
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Managing Fatigue• Get enough sleep
• Eat well-balanced meals
• Keep cab environment comfortable
• Take periodic rest breaks
• Pull over
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• Sources
• Physical discomfort
• Contributes to disease
• Affects mood and safety attitude
• Sources
• Physical discomfort
• Contributes to disease
• Affects mood and safety attitude
Stress
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Managing Stress• Count to 10 or take
deep breaths
• Listen to music
• Talk about problems
• Maintain a sense of humor
• Exercise
• Relax
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Ergonomics• Carefully get in and out
of your vehicle
• Use good driving posture
• Adjust your seat
• Shift your position
• Walk around and stretch on breaks
• Lift and carry heavy objects properly
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Preventive Health Care• Regular medical exams
and screening
• Eye care
• Dental cleaning and checkup
• Take medications as directed
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Preventing Colds and Flu• Avoid direct contact
with sick people
• Keep your hands clean
• Avoid touching face with unwashed hands
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get enough sleep
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Crime and Violence Prevention• Lock your vehicle• Be careful in parking
lots, rest stops, and on the street
• Carry a cell phone and report suspicious activity
• Don’t get involved in disputes
• Report any crime or violence
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Wellness Basics: Which Statements Are True?
Wellness has little to do with your job.
Wellness involves getting preventive health care.
Unmanaged stress can make you sick.
There’s no effective way to avoid colds and flu in a job like yours.
Fatigue is a job hazard you can’t avoid.
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Wellness BasicsDo you understand:
• The importance of wellness?
• Fatigue and stress hazards and management?
• The importance of preventive health care?
• How to prevent colds and flu?
• Steps to avoid crime and violence on the road?
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Healthy Lifestyle: Smoking• Lung cancer and death
• Heart disease, stroke, and emphysema
• Quitting reduces illness and disease
Millions Have Quit. You Can Too!
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• Drink in moderation
• Be careful when taking medications
• Choose not to use illegal drugs
Healthy Lifestyle: Alcohol and Drug Abuse
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Healthy Lifestyle: Sleep• Develop a routine
• Go to sleep and wake at the same time
• Create a comfortable atmosphere
• Watch what you eat and drink
• Get treatment for persistent problems
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Healthy Lifestyle: Weight Control• Extra weight can lead
to disease
• To maintain a healthy weight:• Eat a nutritious diet• Get enough physical activity
• Balance calories with physical activity
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Healthy Lifestyle: Nutrition• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Low-fat dairy products
• Lean meat, poultry, and fish
• Beans, nuts, eggs
• Water
• Reduction of fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar
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Eating out
Pick lower-fat foods and
smaller portions
Go broiled or baked
Order a salad or vegetables
Skip dessert
Pack your own meals
Healthy Lifestyle: Eating Well on the Road
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Healthy Lifestyle: ExerciseTips for getting daily exercise
• Walk around parking lot, or jump rope
• Park further away and walk
• Do sit-ups and push-ups
• Have a routine for days off
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• Call home frequently
• Take pictures of family and friends
• Make a video or DVD of yourself
• Plan family activities
• Keep in touch with friends
Healthy Lifestyle: Family Ties
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Healthy Lifestyle Choices: True or False?
If you’ve smoked for a long time, healthwise it’s not worth quitting now.
You should develop a routine that helps you relax and prepare for sleep.
The only way to maintain a healthy weight is to eat a lot less.
There’s not much you can do about healthy eating on the road.
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Healthy Lifestyle ChoicesDo you understand:• Why smoking and
substance abuse are bad for your health?
• How to get good night’s sleep?
• How to maintain a healthy weight?
• Proper nutrition and tips for eating healthy?
• Need for regular exercise?• Importance of maintaining
family ties?
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Key Points to Remember
Wellness is an important factor in your job and in your life.
Making healthy choices will help you be safer and more productive on the job.
Good health also contributes to a better, longer, happier life.
Simple lifestyle choices can help you improve wellness and live a healthier life.