Addressing Health Through Diet and Exercise
The key to improving health lies in adopting beneficial habits and eliminating detrimental ones. However, the sedentary lifestyles of truckers, their extensive hours on the road, and limited food choices—often limited to fast food options like burgers and fries—make it challenging to foster these healthy practices.
The Importance of Healthy Drivers
“Everyone knows a healthier driver is a safer driver,” said Manera. “Yet, fleet owners and executives often grapple with how to provide effective solutions for enhancing driver health and ask, ‘How can I genuinely assist drivers in becoming healthier?’”
Tools for Healthier Choices
With the Project 61 and Offshift platforms, drivers receive tailored advice on how to engage in physical activity and select healthier meal options that suit their circumstances.
Practical Solutions for Meal Choices
If a truck stop features a McDonald’s as the only dining option, the app assists drivers in selecting the better choice that aligns with their health objectives. Furthermore, if drivers only have 5, 10, or 15 minutes to exercise, the app offers quick activity suggestions they can do in their cab to counteract the extended periods spent driving.
Creating a Healthier Truck Driving Culture
The goal of Project 61 and Offshift is to foster a culture within the trucking community that prioritizes health for all involved. “We aim to reintegrate the concept of ‘health’ within ‘health and safety,’ as it often gets overlooked in favor of merely focusing on safety,” Manera elaborated.
Free Access to Health Resources
Importantly, the app is entirely free. “This is a complimentary program designed to help drivers reclaim some of the years they statistically lose due to their lifestyle choices,” Manera noted.
Leadership and Community Engagement
In his new position following the acquisition, Manera will take on the roles of president and chief health officer of Project 61, collaborating with founder and CEO Jeremy Reymer. Together, they will launch an industry-wide health initiative on October 1, inviting truck drivers and other trucking industry members to participate.
