Healthy Drivers are Happy Drivers - Better Choices Health Initiative Implemented at the “Elite” Fleet
IRVING, TX… “By the very nature of our industry truck drivers tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Long hours behind the wheel and sometimes limited nutrition choices present many health issues. The purpose of this initiative is to inspire our drivers to apply some simple tips and help them improve their overall health. After all, that should be everyone’s priority,” stated Jim Franck, president of National Carriers, Inc.
Better Choices is a health initiative National Carriers has launched aimed at encouraging professional drivers within the “Elite” Fleet and the transportation industry to make positive choices concerning exercise, nutrition and habits. National Carriers wants our drivers to live longer, healthier lives. It benefits everyone in the transportation industry to keep experienced, safe drivers active and able-bodied.
A Flex and Stretch booklet featuring drivers of National Carriers demonstrating 32 separate stretches and 5 warm-up stretches has been created for distribution to the fleet. Donna Emmert, Senior Absence, Health and Productivity Consultant with Zurich Services Corporation has been enlisted to advise which exercises will reduce stress, increase flexibility, and combat fatigue.
After driving for hours with the body in a static position, the muscles tighten. Add traffic or bad weather to the mix and the stress from driving results in even more pain. Getting in the habit of stretching at every stop will help keep the muscles loose, reduce the fatigue and relieve the tightness. Stretching has many benefits, including increased flexibility and improved range of motion. After hours of driving, stretching will help improve the circulation and minimize the aches and pains from sitting. Reduction of stress plus keeping drivers alert behind the wheel are additional benefits.
In addition, National Carriers has partnered with TravelCenters of America LLC to promote their StayFit program offering fitness rooms, walking tracks and healthy eating options. Social media site https://www.pinterest.com/drivenci/ features healthy recipes of meals prepared in the truck by National Carrier drivers. Nutritional information is provided at https://twitter.com/NationalCI and https://www.facebook.com/nationalcarriersinc/sharing insights to healthier food choices.
In a National Carriers survey, 36 % of drivers use some form of tobacco each day. Better Choices will share tips and techniques in reducing tobacco consumption. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports cigarette smoke kills 480,000 Americans each year, many of whom are in the transportation business. The emphasis of the program with be reduction of usage with a long-term goal of abstinence.
National Carriers is a diversified motor carrier servicing all 48 states in the continental United States with transportation offerings which include refrigerated, livestock, and logistics services. At National Carriers, our mission is "to be the safest, most customer-focused, and successful motor carrier in our class." Our team consists of only the Elite driving and office professionals.
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