IT’S A NEW BEGINNING

We took the first step…now it’s your turn! Continuing its long-time commitment to improving the health of the nation’s over-the-road drivers, RAMP Media Group – publishers of Driver HEALTH magazine and promoters of the Healthy Trucking Association of America – built its presence at this year’s Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY, around a healthy theme.
     RAMP’s booth at the entrance to the
Driver Recruitment Center at MATS was anchored by four blood pressure machines, which gave the thousands of drivers who stopped by an opportunity to test their BP for free. RAMP staffers also handed out free water bottles, courtesy of CCLD/AT&T, and encouraged attendees to sign up for membership in the HTAA – the fast-growing program that offers carrier fleets as well as individual drivers a wealth of health-related benefits at a nominal cost. For more information on the HTAA, visit healthytruck.org.
     Attendees who stopped by the RAMP booth also had an opportunity to chat with Dr. Jeffrey S. Durmer, co-founder and chief medical officer of Fusion Sleep. A leading expert on sleep medicine and sleeping disorders and the subject of a recent cover story in Driver HEALTH, Dr. Durmer answered dozens of drivers’ questions related to a wide range of medical issues.
     Since exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, Driver HEALTH helped organize the first-ever “61+ Health Awareness Walk” in conjunction with MATS and The Trucking Solutions Health Group. More than 120 persons registered for the event and 85 truck drivers and other industry folks participated in the 1.5 mile walk around the massive Kentucky Exposition Center, home to MATS.  All participants received a goody bag full of prizes and special offers.
     “The Trucker Trainer” Bob Perry, president of Roadside Medical Clinic, guided the participants through a series of exercises during a warm-up session just prior to the walk, as well as a cool-down period after the walk. Perry is a regular contributor to Driver HEALTH.
     Given that the average age of death for a truck driver is less than 61 years, leaders in the trucking industry are working to make personal health and fitness a bigger concern for all truckers.
     “This is a plea from driver to driver to get outside of your truck and work toward a healthier lifestyle,” says Linda Caffee, professional driver and chairman of the Trucking Solutions Group Driver Health Council. “We’re all in this together! This walk provides everyone with the opportunity to receive support from your fellow drivers and get on the road to better health.”
     The Trucking Solutions Group Driver Health Council is a member of the Healthy Trucking Association of America and serves as the organization’s charter Driver Advisory Board. Together, they are developing programs that will be meaningful to the driver as well as the entire transportation industry. The Trucking Solutions Group Driver Health Council helps trucking professionals lead a healthier lifestyle while on the road through exercise and nutrition. They have regularly scheduled live interactive discussions to share tips and information with each other and guests.
     Jeff Clark, a professional over-the-road driver, running advocate and contributor to Driver HEALTH, participated in the walk. “This was an important first step,” Clark says of the event. “In the last few years the industry has begun to recognize its health problems. Walking is the simplest solution.
     “Walks like this are important for a number of reasons,” he adds. “First, it raises awareness. Second, it offers solutions. Third, it builds positive relationships.”
     Driver HEALTH will organize 1.5-mile walks at the Great West Truck Show in Las Vegas in June and at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas in August. Another walk is planned for the Titletown Truckers Showdown in Green Bay, WI, in July.
     “I would like to see every truck show have this type of event,” Clark concludes. “Health is the No. 1 problem facing the industry. These walks attack the problem.”
     The MATS walk was sponsored by the team of Driver HEALTH magazine, Trucking Solutions Group Driver Health Council, Healthy Trucking Association of America, RAMP Media Group, Mid-America Trucking Show and Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab. Other sponsors included Airtab, AT&T, Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation, CCLD, Celadon, Fedex Custom Critical, Freightliner, Great-wide Dedicated Transport, Healthe’ Trim, Landstar, Let’s Truck, Marten Transport, Middle Georgia Freightliner, Quality Carriers, Road ID, Sleep Dog Mattress, U.S. Xpress and the Women in Trucking Association.
     This year’s Mid-America Trucking Show was a resounding success, attracting 965 exhibitors as well as more than 70,000 trucking professionals from all 50 states and 59 foreign countries. “We could not have asked for a more positive atmosphere for the trucking industry, or scripted a better turnaround for our show,” says Toby Young, president of Exhibit Management Associates, which organized the show.