Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Terry S, an experienced OTR driver since the summer of 2012. I wanted to share his story to help inspire other drivers to take charge of their health.

“My wife and I used to run team past 13 years together (both 30 year driving veterans) Last year she had an accident at home while we were on vacation, fell down some stairs and broke both her legs. Had to draw on FMLA as she was incapacitated the next 8 weeks. My health has not been that good past few years, diagnosed type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. While I was home taking care of my wife I thought, if you don’t do something, you’re not that old, this will get out of hand. Next morning woke up at 5:30am and started walking 3 miles every day. A few months later I took an agility test. I was surprised when they took my blood pressure, the walking had been making more of a difference than I realized.”

“I have a microwave on my truck which helps. I watch what I eat, lots of vegetables, often right out of the can. I get the fish and steamer bags from Wal-Mart which cooks nicely in the microwave. I educated myself on the types of fruits I should be eating. Last month had physical in Waco to renew my license. Had lost 23 lbs from first physical which surprised me, I don’t weigh myself. They did not even have to check my blood sugar because my urine showed no glucose. Doctor told me to be retested for type 2 diabetes again. Did not want to give him false hope, but said safe bet that in another 15 lbs will probably not have to take any type 2 diabetes medication.”

“Been doing TrestleTree where a lady calls every month to talk about health and ways to improve. Changed lifestyle to be more active on the road. It is important to get out of the truck when you stop! Do something, anything to get the heart going, maybe an extra inspection and check tire pressure. Take every opportunity to be less sedentary. We get tired, don’t want to get up and don’t want to walk. Getting out in Laredo TX in a 95 degree day yes you will break a sweat. That’s good for you, doesn’t matter what you do, if you are not breaking a sweat it is not exercise according to one doctor. Changed philosophy and when I get out of bed I have something for breakfast (even if just a hardboiled egg) to get my metabolism started and keep it going. You can never eat too many vegetables.”