Impact of Long-Haul Trucking on Health
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Long-haul truck drivers play a crucial role in the economy, enabling consumers to access the everyday items they wear, eat, and use. However, those on the road face significant health challenges, often spending as much as 11 hours driving each day.
Transitioning to Health Advocacy
KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes spoke with Michael Lombard, a former truck driver who is now dedicated to promoting a healthier lifestyle for those in the trucking industry. Lombard now teaches Orangetheory Fitness classes but previously spent his days on the road.
A Family Legacy in Trucking
“Trucking is in my blood,” Lombard remarked, sharing that his family founded one of the oldest motor carriers in the U.S. in 1923. He expressed his concerns about the profession’s health implications, particularly given the premature passing of his grandfather and great-grandfather.
Health Risks in the Industry
Research from the Centers for Disease Control reveals that life as a truck driver is detrimental to health due to irregular schedules, long hours, sedentary lifestyles, limited healthy food access, and high stress levels. Lombard highlighted that truck drivers can lose an average of 16 years from their life expectancy, which typically hovers around 61 years old. Moreover, the prevalence of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes in the trucking workforce is notably higher than in the general population.
Personal Health Journey
Reflecting on his personal struggles with weight, Lombard noted that he once weighed 278 pounds. Despite the challenges of maintaining fitness on the road, he was determined to document his journey via social media and turned to running as a solution. While on the road, he completed five marathons and recently finished his first Ironman competition.
Community Improvement Initiatives
Inspired by his own fitness transformation, Lombard is now actively involved with the nonprofit Project 61, which aims to boost health awareness and provide resources for truck drivers. He emphasized the essential role that truck drivers play in transporting goods across the country, from food to clothing to household items.
Challenges of a Trucking Lifestyle
According to the federal guidelines, truck drivers can operate their vehicles for up to 11 hours within a 14-hour duty period, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest. Lombard explained the difficulties of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule due to varying work hours, reinforcing the importance of daily movement, adequate protein intake, and hydration to support productivity and health. He believes that improving the overall health of the trucking workforce can lead to enhanced job performance and quality of life.
