Dr. John McElligott, co-founder of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and its volunteer medical advisor, highlights that health is the primary challenge in the trucking industry.
“The presence of women in trucking and business is increasingly significant—without women, our daily operations would struggle,” McElligott noted. “Women tend to live longer than men, which can be attributed to the fact that men often work continuously into their later years, while women often pause their careers to care for males. Men typically avoid medical check-ups until later in life, unlike women, who have more frequent healthcare interactions. However, women in trucking face unique obstacles in accessing healthcare while constantly on the road.”
During a recent webinar hosted by the Women In Trucking Association titled “Women’s Health on the Road,” McElligott outlined the five main health issues that women truck drivers face today.
1. Heart Disease
“Your heart is the most important pump you can possess,” McElligott emphasized.
He mentioned that research indicates that one in four women die from heart disease. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise can reduce the risk of premature death from heart-related issues by 27%. To stay active on the road, truckers may utilize items like free weights or small trampolines, he advised, drawing from his experience as a winner of Rolling Strong and Women In Trucking’s Accelerate Your Health Wellness Competition.
2. Migraines
Women are significantly more prone to migraines, with 85% of sufferers being female, according to McElligott. Factors such as job stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, and sinus problems can escalate migraine occurrences.
McElligott explained that migraines often come with “auras,” which are symptoms that appear before a full migraine strikes. Identifying personal triggers with a healthcare provider can aid truck drivers in managing their migraines effectively.
3. Obesity
“Living with obesity feels like being trapped in a torture chamber,” McElligott remarked. “Research indicates that 50% of truckers are obese, although our clinics see even higher instances of obesity-related issues.”
Women have a much higher likelihood of experiencing thyroid issues, which heavily contribute to obesity. McElligott noted that while obesity can be managed, if disregarded, it can lead to severe health complications like heart disease. Obesity also leads to joint problems, particularly knee pain, a common issue among truck drivers. He reminded drivers to exit their cabs carefully to minimize strain on their joints.
4. Cancer Awareness
McElligott noted that one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer, with approximately 12 million women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.
Regular mammograms starting at age 40 and awareness of family medical history are vital for women. Since most cervical cancers stem from HPV, McElligott recommends annual pelvic exams and PAP smears, emphasizing that early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Additionally, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can influence hormonal balance, potentially leading to obesity and depression. Seeking medical support for PCOS can be crucial, as illustrated with a case where St. Christopher assisted a driver with PCOS in conceiving a child.
5. Respiratory Diseases
“Respiratory diseases among women are increasing,” McElligott remarked.
The primary cause is smoking, which is linked to various respiratory conditions affecting around 47% of women, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. McElligott suggested quitting smoking as a straightforward approach to ameliorating respiratory health. The St. Christopher Fund also offers a program called Rigs without Cigs, incentivizing truck drivers to quit smoking with rewards.
While these five health issues are critical, other concerns such as diabetes still affect many, leading to St. Christopher’s initiative, Driving Down Diabetes, which emphasizes nutrition and wellness. The organization also connects uninsured drivers with necessary healthcare resources and educational support.
Regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, McElligott noted the connection between low Vitamin D levels, obesity, and hospitalizations. He encouraged truck drivers to get vaccinated whenever possible, noting that one-shot options like Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine may suit drivers’ schedules better. Furthermore, mental health remains an important consideration, with recommendations for daily exercise, healthy habits, and even companionship on the road.
