Taking Health on the Road11.19.2007 
By Amy LillardLong hours. Tight deadlines. Quick eating. Lack of time for exercise. Irregular sleep. Sound familiar? Just some of the most dangerous challenges of the over-the-road lifestyle, they can lead to significant health problems. Ask Barry Pawelek. A heavy-haul driver for years, he wasn’t overweight, nor did he smoke or have a history of heart problems. But that didn’t stop him from suffering a stroke and heart attack in 2000. When he learned several of his friends had similar issues, he set about surveying his fellow drivers. Since 2001 he’s been on the road, riding along with truck shows and sales reps in exchange for the chance to talk to drivers. “I was really surprised,” he said. “Over 90 percent of divers I talked to and those who responded to our surveys had some sort of heart, lung, sugar or arthritis problem. Most had weight problems. I could stand outside a truck stop and almost every driver would be on at least one medication.” Pawelek formed the Nationwide Truck Stop Health Tour, a traveling wealth of information designed to educate and assist drivers to get healthy. Beginning in January 2006, Pawelek has toured the country’s roads, attending over 40 truck shows with his volunteer team of a renowned obesity physician, a psychologist, a nutritional specialist, and a nurse. At each stop, drivers are welcomed into the decked-out trailer. They can read pamphlets provided by the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Foundation and more. They can view movies about healthy changes. They can get free and completely confidential eye, hearing, blood and bone density tests. And most comprehensively, they can discuss and set up appropriate diet and exercise programs. Pawelek preaches changes both big and small. Attitudes must be changed, and knowledge must be spread of the health risks to drivers among the drivers themselves, and throughout the tricking industry. “We have the power to dictate the future of the industry. It’s not about companies; it’s about drivers. Healthy drivers,” he said. On a small scale, drivers can help their health with some planning and dedication. Pawelek recommends small steps to start: o Increase water intake. Cut off those coffees and sodas and flush your system with water. More water equals a more responsive body, as well as better sleep. o Eat multiple, regular meals. Instead of one huge meal, eat 4-5 times daily, starting with a good breakfast. Constant and consistent food will rejuvenate your body, and provide energy to burn. o Walk a little bit each day. Even a twenty minute walk around the truck at a stop can contribute to weight loss and a healthier body. Pawelek has plans to expand and improve the program this year, thanks to an enthusiastic response from drivers. “Drivers are ready to make a change,” he said. “By showing them how, developing programs for them no matter what their time restraints or health conditions, we can help drivers, and the industry.” To learn more about the National Truck Stop Health Tour visit www.truckstopevents.com  |
