I would like to discuss the topic of load securement. (Now, I know what you’re thinking: what does this have to do with drivers’ wellness? Bear with me; I’ll get to that.) There are many things that come to mind regarding load securement. If you’re hauling a reefer or a dry van, it means one thing; if you’re hauling a flat bed or a step deck, it means something totally different. But one common denominator with it all is that, whatever type of freight you are hauling, it must be secure at all times.

Let’s talk about flatbeds for a minute. There are certain requirements as to how many traps or chains you must have on your load, and how far they must be apart. I believe that you must have two straps or chains on the first four feet of the load, and then the rest depends on the weight and number of pieces or pallets you have on board. There are also certain regulations that require you to stop and check the securement of your load. I think that it’s after the first hour of driving that you must get out and check, and then every one hundred and fifty miles after that (please don’t shoot me if I’m wrong on that).

The procedure regarding dry vans or reefers is altogether different, but you still must make sure that your load is secure. This might mean load bars or straps placed in key locations inside the trailer. Some other types of freight might require you to nail down wood bracing on the floor to hold the pallets in place (little hard if you have metal floors). Let me also add that this is not only the driver’s responsibility, but the loader’s as well. How and where the pallets are placed within the trailer makes a huge difference, too. Bottom line to all this is that braces, load bars, straps, chains, and tie-downs are very important when it comes to load securement.

When it comes to drivers’ wellness, things that tie us or hold us down are not necessarily a good thing. A great goal to have for your wellness includes getting rid of everything in our lives that ties us down or holds us back from living a life that is free from worry and the things that get in the way of the peace within us that we all desire to have.

However, getting rid of hindrances is not as easy as it sounds. It might help you to know that the struggles you face are not new or unique to you.  Everyone faces difficulties in this world, no exceptions.  What you are going through is a common experience.

So the next time you feel yourself tied down with the difficulties of life, talk to someone. There is way out of the pain and sorrow that weigh you down. Remember there is hope. Stop in and see one of our chaplains today, or give us a call.

Be safe out there!

Click here to comment.  

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

A recent report noted that the average American drinks 44.7 gallons of soda a year—enough to fill a small kiddie pool!

Previous articles in Drivers Wellness have noted the caloric content of sodas, but here is another point to consider: Citrus- flavored sodas contain a chemical called Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) which prevents the citrus flavors from separating from the drink. (Note: cola flavored drinks do not contain BVO.) If you hold up a citrus- flavored beverage to the light, you can see cloudiness, an indication that the product contains BVO. But did you know that BVO is also used as a flame retardant? There is concern among scientists and nutritionists that BVO is harmful to the human body. Some people who consume large amounts of this chemical have developed skin lesions, memory loss, and nerve disorders.

Regular sodas contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a genetically modified food source. This product has only been on the market since the 1990s, and there is no long-term evidence against human consumption.

Generally, a soda or two won’t be harmful. However, remember that sodas are empty calories. Substituting an alternative such as low-fat, regular or chocolate milk can go a long way towards giving your body the nutrients it needs. 

Click here to comment. 

In January, Highway News and Good News published a special segment on ways to lose and manage weight. How are you doing? Did you find the tips helpful?

Most of us know that obesity is caused by a sedentary lifestyle (whether it’s driving a truck or sitting at a desk) as well as food consumption. Our society tends to eat a lot of processed, pre-packaged foods, as well as dine out where meals are usually full of fat to enhance the flavors.

But those factors may not be the only root cause of obesity today. Drivers Wellness recently came across an article that postulated obesity actually began in the 1950s. Doctors at that time advised women to not gain more than a few pounds during pregnancy; additionally, breast feeding was replaced by bottle feeding. This advice resulted in lower weight babies who spent their lives eating to regain the nutrition that was missing from the in-utero phase.

Consequently, with the obesity problem now, overweight women are giving birth to bigger babies that have difficulty recognizing true hunger symptoms and whose bodies have difficulty managing blood glucose. Statistics show that in the 1960s, middle-aged men were on average 27 pounds lighter than middle-aged men in 2002. Women were more than 25 pounds lighter. The Institute of Medicine and U.S. Surgeon General are now making recommendations on pregnancy weight gain and breast feeding. However, it may take two or more generations to reverse the trend.

You can help balance your weight now by concentrating on nutrient-dense foods and avoiding empty calories. Most people snack because their meals don’t contain enough fuel and nutrients to maintain their body. If your body is getting the nutrition it needs, you won’t crave additional food. Eat a wide variety of foods in moderate amounts and your body will adjust its weight accordingly.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
 
Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Sodium chloride (salt, common salt, table salt or halite): a necessary constituent of the body and therefore of the diet, involved in maintaining osmotic tension of blood and tissues; uses include replenishment of electrolytes in the body, irrigation of wounds and body cavities, inhaled mucolytic, topical osmotic ophthalmic agent, and preparation of pharmaceuticals.

Recently, I was a patient in a hospital that offered patients the option of ordering freshly prepared meals if they desired. Imagine my surprise when I read the nutritional ticket that came with my meal. Items that were freshly prepared and designated “heart-healthy” contained as much as 1500 mg sodium! That was for one meal. The daily total for three meals could average as much as 4500 mg of sodium!

Your body needs 500 mg of sodium a day to maintain normal support of bodily function such as electrolyte balance. The USRDA recommended daily amount is 1500 mg; however, most people consume approximately 3500 mg per day.

Most of us are aware that sodium can raise blood pressure, but did you also know that excessive sodium can lead to cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, dementia, sleep apnea, and kidney disease? Too much or too little salt in the diet can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, or electrolyte disturbance, which can cause neurological problems. Excessive sodium can also leech the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry and dull.

While some folks enjoy shaking the salt over their foods, most of the sodium we consume comes from pre-packaged foods. Even foods we would consider non-salty, like peanut butter and bread, can double or even quadruple your daily sodium intake. Additionally, prepared foods don’t even use the iodized version of salt that your body needs to maintain thyroid function.

The best way to monitor your daily sodium intake is to read food labels and keep track of the sodium content (if eating out, many restaurants now provide nutrition information of their foods on their websites). Try to eat fresh foods as much as possible. For instance, fresh baked bread contains less sodium and preservatives than commercially-produced breads.

Here are some food groups with high sodium counts:

• Any foods that are smoked or cured, including ham, bacon, hot dogs, luncheon meats and cheese
• Canned vegetables, unless they’re marked “low sodium”; but you should still check the label. (Plain frozen vegetables have virtually zero sodium.)
• Pickles and olives
• Tartar sauce
• Sauces, such as soy or tomato
• Gravies
• Soups, broths
• Vegetable juices (unless marked “low sodium”; again, check the label)
• Fried or seasoned rice

Limit your consumption of these foods. If you want to enjoy one of them, be sure to not have other foods that are high in sodium that day. The key is to enjoy yourself, but be aware of your total daily consumption of sodium.

Sea salt and kosher salt are becoming very popular; however, both contain the same amount of sodium as regular table salt. There may be some differences in flavor, but salt is salt, no matter where it was mined. Look for alternatives such as salt substitutes or other spices that can help flavor your meal.

Click here to comment.

Research is showing that people who take small steps to lose a few pounds at a time are more successful than people who make aggressive lifestyle changes, like going on an extreme diet (usually abandoning it a few weeks or months later). Here are a few more hints you can add to previous tips to help you lose weight:

• At the start of a meal, dip a piece of whole grain bread into some olive oil—whole grains help you feel fuller.
• Drink low-fat chocolate milk—it helps drinkers gain muscle and lose fat when consumed after exercise.
• Use apple butter instead of margarine or butter—it has only 20 calories and 0 grams of fat per serving. This is an easy, delicious way to cut calories!
• Use cinnamon as a sweetener—it adds flavor, helps metabolize sugar, and works well as a sugar substitute in coffee.
• Blot your pizza with a napkin; this can dab off 30 calories and 4.5 grams of fat per slice. Also, remember that veggie pizza has less calories and fat than styles that contain fatty meats.
• Substitute a buffalo steak for beef steak and save calories and fat! Buffalo is lower in fat than beef. A 3-oz buffalo steak has 148 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 26 grams of lean protein, which helps fill you up.

When you are alone and behind the wheel of a big truck, it’s very easy to become discontent. You can be discontent with the traffic, your load destination, your pay, your spouse, family, and many other things. Our minds play tricks on us when we are tired and alone. Don’t let these times alone cause you to be unhappy with your life. Think of the good things you have. Contentment is a virtue that will pay dividends for many years to come. Many others would love to have what you have. Be content with where you are. Your life will be much happier because of it.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Overstressed? No need to overeat! From the moment we get out of bed, most of us whiz through the day under stressful conditions. As a result, many of us tend to overeat and turn to comfort foods. This is only a temporary fix.

So what can you do to prevent eating in response to stress? Below are twelve activities you can try instead of grabbing those cookies or chips when you feel an overwhelming desire to eat. Before you try these suggestions, however, make a deal with yourself. If you wish to have a specific food, you can have it, but only after you’ve done three things on the list below:

1. Read a book.
2. Pray or meditate.
3. Exercise! Walk, do an exercise video, or hit the gym. It will help improve your mood and feel like you are back in control.
4. Call or e-mail a friend. This will help you stay connected to others.
5. Write in a journal and capture your thoughts and feelings.
6. Play a game with your spouse, children, or pets—whether it’s Frisbee or fetch, checkers or chess.
7. Tackle some household chores: dust, vacuum, balance the checkbook, etc.
8. Take a long bath or shower.
9. Do some outside chores: work in the garden, mow the lawn, rake leaves, or shovel snow.
10. Work on a project that will keep your hands busy: knitting, needlepoint, painting, woodworking, etc.
11. Brush your teeth, rinse with mouthwash, then pop in a piece of extra-minty gum.
12. Do something for someone else. For example, volunteer locally or deliver meals to the elderly. Being of service to others is fulfilling.

These tips are constructive options to help you work through stress instead of eating. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

This article was authored by one of our resource partners, Jodi and Harry Sensenig, Certified Health Coaches with Take Shape for Life.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

A January Drivers Wellness article noted that one of the easy ways to lose a few pounds is to eliminate meat from your meal a couple of times a week. A driver had a good question about this suggestion: if we are supposed to eat protein because it is good for our bodies and it is filling, why should we eliminate meat, which is a good source of protein? The answer is that there are meatless proteins that you can either substitute for a meat or add to your daily intake to increase your consumption of good protein. Here are some meatless protein options:

• Beans (black, kidney, lima, navy, etc.), as well as split peas, chickpeas, and hummus; one cup has thirteen grams of protein—as much as a 3 oz. steak. Eat split pea soup, add black beans to your taco, or spread hummus on a cracker for a snack—be creative
• Eggs: One egg has six grams of protein (as well as essential amino acids). Have eggs for a meal, hardboiled for a snack, chopped up on a salad, or as an omelet (add cheese and beans to increase your protein).
• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt): All milk (whole, skim, or low fat) has eight grams of protein per cup; cheese has approximately ten grams per slice (depending on type); yogurt has thirteen or more grams per cup, depending on the type (opt for Greek, which is the best).
• Whole Grains: Whole grains (quinoa, amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, rice, rye, smelt, wheat, etc.) range from ten to sixteen grams of protein per cup. Have whole grain bread for a sandwich (egg salad or peanut butter, for extra protein), buckwheat pancakes (watch the syrup), or add brown rice as a side dish.
• Seafood: Depending on the type, has from fifteen to twenty-seven grams of protein per oz. serving. Cold water fishes, such as halibut, pack extra benefits, like higher protein and Omega-fatty acids.
• Soy: It can be consumed in many forms, from edamame (eleven grams of protein per half cup), to tofu, soy burger, and soy nut butter.
• Snacks: Nuts (peanuts, cashews, almonds, and walnuts), seeds (sesame, sunflower), nut butters (and not just peanut butter; try almond and soy nut butter). Eat these sparingly, though, as they are high fat; however, they make an excellent protein snack. 

And, please let us know if you have any questions or need clarification on our wellness articles.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                               

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

If you don’t have a spouse or anyone special in your life, how do you manage all the gooey feelings that are associated with February 14?

• Know that you are not alone; there are millions of other people who are not in a relationship.
• Honor and love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, how can you expect someone else to love you? Treat yourself to a nice dinner, or a special gift you want.
• If you are depressed, don’t make yourself feel worse by focusing on all the romantic movies and love songs that are around at this time of year. Find something unromantic to do that you enjoy.
• Remember that those people you see out having a romantic evening may only get that treatment because it’s a holiday. You don’t know what the rest of their life is like.
• Find a friend or other person who may be alone and engage in a fun activity. Brightening someone else’s day can help lift your spirits.
• You can celebrate the holiday by letting your loved ones and friends know how much you care about them.

Most drivers are concerned about health issues such as weight management and back and neck pain. They should also be concerned about oral cancer. Here are some facts from the American Dental Association:

• Oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,360 Americans each year
• More than 25% of the 30,000 Americans that get oral cancer will die
• Only half of those diagnosed will survive more than five years
• African-Americans are especially vulnerable and their mortality rate is almost twice as high as for Caucasians
• Approximately 25% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors (such as tobacco and alcohol use)
• There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40
• The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking

In this month when so many of us make resolutions, the Drivers Wellness team felt Ellen’s article would be a good word of encouragement for all of us, truckers and non-truckers alike. As we look at news reports of violence and aggression during the Black Friday Sales, and the stresses of the holidays, we should all try to practice what the author advises during the new year of 2012. Being nice not only makes the other person feel good, it makes you feel good, too!

Ellen Voie is President & CEO of Women In Trucking and a member of TFC’s Board of Directors. Her article is reprinted with permission from Women In Trucking.

As we enter the holiday season we are reminded of the importance of family, friends and colleagues. With a very challenging year behind us, maybe it's time to make a greater effort to "just be nice."

A famous (anonymous) quote reminds us, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." What would it take to treat everyone you meet with a little extra compassion this month; to wake up on the right side of the bed and greet every day with a smile?

As a professional driver, you meet people every day who are complete strangers to you. At the truck stop, the scale, when you deliver to a customer, even in your own terminal if it's a larger company. When you're out on the road, you might not have the benefit of working with the same folks each day, so you have to define your relationship each time you meet someone new.

If you approach the fuel desk associate with a scowl on your face because you just had a disagreement with your dispatcher, expect the encounter to be unpleasant. No one wants to deal with a person who's obviously in a foul mood. You're not making the other person feel very important and you'll probably receive the same indifference in return. This sets the tone for negative interactions the remainder of your day.

What if we all decided to "just be nice", to treat others with decency and respect and throw in a smile once in a while? It's called "relationship marketing" and it will help you develop a stronger bond with those you meet in the course of doing your job.

If you don't expect any benefit other than showing the other person courteousness, you'll be further ahead. Don't assume that your pleasant attitude should result in better treatment or special favors. That's not the reason to be nice.

When you encounter a surly person, don't take it personally, and don't return the gloom. As Plato reminds us, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." The waitress at the truck stop might have a sick child at home. Your dispatcher could be having a rough day as well, so don't assume it's your fault they're short with you. Give each of them the benefit of the doubt and "just be nice".

There are many benefits to being nice, but according to Jeff Nichols, who calls himself "just a regular guy" in his blog, "My Super-Charged Life," being nice to others can be good for you! Pleasant people are a pleasure to be around, so you'll be more popular if you are nice.

Being nice also helps you feel better about yourself, which leads to increased self-confidence. It also helps reduce stress and guilt, and encourages you to feel more thankful, regardless of your own situation. Being nice and focusing on others can even distract you from your own troubles.

Nichols claims that people who are nice help foster a greater sense of community and family. Who knows, being nice and helping others might even help you find talents or abilities you didn't know you had. When you make the world a better place, you add meaning and significance to your life. After all, we all like to feel we've made a positive difference to others.

One other benefit to being nice is that people are more inclined to help you when you're facing your own challenges. By helping them overcome their trials, they will be more inclined to help you succeed as well. It's human nature.

Think about ways you can change the environment around you by just being a little nicer. Try it and see if it helps you become a better person as well. Just be nice, or there may be consequences. 

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids are effective in preventing heart disease. Your body does not make these acids and modern day diets of pre-packaged and fast foods don’t include enough fish and plant foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Help yourself and your heart by adding salmon, sardines, walnuts, eggs, and flaxseed to your diet. Fish oil capsules are also a good option. And Omega-3 fatty acids also improve your mood!

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

There are several factors that increase the risk of heart disease. These include high blood pressure (hypertension); high LDL (bad cholesterol); low HDL (good cholesterol); high triglycerides; high blood sugar; as well as a family history of heart disease, physical inactivity, and smoking.  

Fat around the waist increases your risk for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The risk goes up with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men. Assess your risk by measuring your waist: stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones. Measure your waist just after you breathe out.

For more information and resources on this and other related topics, visit the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute website at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                              

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Have you ever found yourself feeling hungry or ill shortly after eating a meal or snack? It may be due to the glycemic index of the food(s) you just consumed. Simple carbohydrates can cause the body to experience an initial feeling of well-being, followed by a “crash” when glucose levels drop. Complex carbohydrates provide a more even balance of glucose that helps avoid the “crash and burn” syndrome. This is how this works: Each food has a specific glycemic index (GI). This index tells how the food will affect your body’s blood glucose. Simple carbohydrates such as sugary items, refined grains, and starchy vegetables are high GI foods.

These foods cause the body to experience a steep, rapid increase in blood glucose, followed by a steep drop (the crash and burn effect). Lower GI foods such as whole grains and non-starchy vegetables keep blood glucose level, helping you stay full longer and avoiding the effects of a rapidly dropping blood glucose level. While watching the GI index of foods is extremely important for people who suffer from diabetes, every person will benefit from maintaining a healthy blood glucose level. Some studies have even noted a greater loss of fat mass when a person follows a low GI food diet.

One method to assess the GI of foods is the “Traffic Light System” in which low GI foods have a green light, medium GI foods have a yellow caution light,  and high GI foods have a red stop light.

“Green Light” low GI foods (value below 55) should be eaten frequently and in larger quantities. They include: all bran or whole grain cereals; whole wheat  or whole grain pastas and breads; dairy products; non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, lettuce, green beans; legumes such as beans and lentils; fruits such as cherries, plums, grapefruit, peaches, apples, pears, oranges, strawberries.

“Yellow Light” medium GI foods (value between 56 and 69) should be eaten in moderation. They include: cereals that contain whole wheat; cornmeal, couscous, vermicelli; croissants, rye breads, buns; vegetables such as beetroots; fruits such as mangos, bananas, figs, pineapple.

“Red Light” high GI foods (value greater than 70) should be eaten infrequently (if at all) and include: sugary cereals; white breads; vegetables such as pumpkins, parsnips; starches such as rice, tapioca, potatoes; snacks such as pretzels, ricecakes, donuts, scones; fruits such as watermelon or dates.

For more information, Google “glycemic index” in your browser for a list of sites that include detailed lists of the GI value of popular foods.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                               

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Have you ever found yourself feeling hungry or ill shortly after eating a meal or snack? It may be due to the glycemic index of the food(s) you just consumed. Simple carbohydrates can cause the body to experience an initial feeling of well-being, followed by a “crash” when glucose levels drop. Complex carbohydrates provide a more even balance of glucose that helps avoid the “crash and burn” syndrome. This is how this works: Each food has a specific glycemic index (GI). This index tells how the food will affect your body’s blood glucose. Simple carbohydrates such as sugary items, refined grains, and starchy vegetables are high GI foods.

These foods cause the body to experience a steep, rapid increase in blood glucose, followed by a steep drop (the crash and burn effect). Lower GI foods such as whole grains and non-starchy vegetables keep blood glucose level, helping you stay full longer and avoiding the effects of a rapidly dropping blood glucose level. While watching the GI index of foods is extremely important for people who suffer from diabetes, every person will benefit from maintaining a healthy blood glucose level. Some studies have even noted a greater loss of fat mass when a person follows a low GI food diet.

One method to assess the GI of foods is the “Traffic Light System” in which low GI foods have a green light, medium GI foods have a yellow caution light,  and high GI foods have a red stop light.

“Green Light” low GI foods (value below 55) should be eaten frequently and in larger quantities. They include: all bran or whole grain cereals; whole wheat  or whole grain pastas and breads; dairy products; non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, lettuce, green beans; legumes such as beans and lentils; fruits such as cherries, plums, grapefruit, peaches, apples, pears, oranges, strawberries.

“Yellow Light” medium GI foods (value between 56 and 69) should be eaten in moderation. They include: cereals that contain whole wheat; cornmeal, couscous, vermicelli; croissants, rye breads, buns; vegetables such as beetroots; fruits such as mangos, bananas, figs, pineapple.

“Red Light” high GI foods (value greater than 70) should be eaten infrequently (if at all) and include: sugary cereals; white breads; vegetables such as pumpkins, parsnips; starches such as rice, tapioca, potatoes; snacks such as pretzels, ricecakes, donuts, scones; fruits such as watermelon or dates.

For more information, Google “glycemic index” in your browser for a list of sites that include detailed lists of the GI value of popular foods.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                               

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Did you ever wonder why you are not losing weight when you are following what appears to be a healthy diet of vegetables, protein, fruits and carbs? The problem may be your perception of portion size. This is one of the hidden ways in which we gain weight; and adjusting your portions is one of the simplest method to lose weight.

Do you sit down for breakfast with a bowl of healthy, high-fiber cereal? Check the portion size on the cereal box and compare it with what’s in your bowl. A serving size is usually 2/3 or 3/4 of a cup. If you measured what was in your bowl, you may find that you are actually eating three servings! A serving of bread is not two slices for your sandwich—it is one slice. A medium potato is the size of a computer mouse. A serving of meat is 3 oz. (about the size of a deck of cards). If you snack on nuts, check the bag or can for the portion size.

Check the list below for an idea of the average calorie count of some popular foods and drinks:

2 slices of pizza - 800 calories
Bagel - 350 calories
Cheeseburgers - 590 calories
Blueberry Muffin - 500 calories
Spaghetti with sauce and meatballs, 1 cup - 500 calories 

Going to the movies? Keep in mind that an average-size tub of popcorn packs a hefty total of 630 calories! And then there are the drinks: a 20-oz regular soda has about 250 calories. And watch those coffee drinks! While a cup of coffee with milk and sugar totals about 45 calories, a grand café mocha can have up to 330 calories!

It’s hard to count calories when you don’t measure your portions. An interactive menu planner, available at http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/menuplanner/menu.cgi, can help keep track of what you are eating.

Watch your portion size and you may find yourself losing weight without even trying! 

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                 

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Not feeling up to a full-fledged weight loss plan?  Start with small goals of ten-pound increments. An initial goal of reducing your baseline weight by 10% is a start, and will have an effect on many health risks. Here are a few tips to lose ten pounds the easy way (OK, the not-too-hard way):

• Drink plenty of water.
• Divide your normal portion in half; save the rest for later.
• Skip the meat; even a couple of meatless meals help with weight reduction.
• Eat fresh foods and reduce your consumption of canned and pre-packaged foods.
• Cut sugar and (white) flour from your diet; these white ingredients cause weight gain and bloating.
• Take short walking breaks whenever possible; every little bit adds up.
• Fill two-thirds of your plate with vegetables for fewer calories and more nutrition.
• Skip sugary drinks; a supersized soda can have over 500 calories!
• Green tea is an excellent antioxidant and aids in weight loss (but skip the milk and sugar).
• Non-creamy soups are good fillers; add a cup to your meal.
• Yogurt is a great way to get nutrition and keep a healthy weight.
• Diet two days a week and eat healthy the other five.
• Increase your fiber intake—eat more beans, lentils, and unprocessed fruit; add garbanzo beans to your salad. 

Don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of weight you need to lose. An initial goal of reducing your baseline weight by 10% is a start. You will soon notice improvement in many aspects of your health. Then, use a combination of reduced calories and increased activity to continue weight loss and then maintain a healthy weight.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Have you ever heard the statement that weight loss comes from starting the day right with a good breakfast? Well, that is true—unless you grab a quick breakfast from a fast food restaurant. A breakfast sandwich that appears to be healthy with protein of breakfast meat, egg, and cheese actually contains between 600-800 calories and 1400 mg of sodium; a delicious cinnamon bun can have 1100 calories and more fat than nine chocolate chip cookies; and a seemingly healthy zucchini-walnut muffin contains 500 calories and 28 grams of fat!

For fewer calories and more satisfaction, you could eat an egg sandwich with avocado and tomato slices and even a slice of cheese; or try French toast topped with strawberry and banana; or consider an open-faced broiled egg. Of course, a healthy cereal and fresh fruit are always good choices.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

OK, let’s face the facts—diet is a four-letter word that begins with DIE. However, with the physical requirements imposed by the DOT, drivers are facing the need to lose weight and get healthier if they want to keep their jobs. According to DOT requirements, medical fitness is required for duty—this includes weight management as well as management of associated problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, sleep apnea, and a host of other weight-related medical conditions. Losing weight for work-related reasons is important, but it is also important for improving your overall lifestyle. And it helps if you focus on “health” rather than “diet.”

This month, Drivers Wellness features an array of short articles that can help you regain your figure, your heart health and your relationship health too. We hope these special features will give you some tips that make the journey less painful. And, since January is the time of year when people want to start a new, healthier lifestyle, let’s get started together. (Please remember to consult with your health care professional before beginning a weight loss or exercise plan.)

Click on the individual titles below to read each article:

Start Your Day Right
Start Slowly
Portion Size: A Guide
What is the glycemic index (GI) and why is it important?
Watch for Your Risk Factors for Heart Disease
The Benefits of Omega-3
Be Nice

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.        

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

In your daily routine of picking up and delivering freight, you must be prepared. What do I mean by this? It’s called trip planning. You have to sit down before every load and plan out your trip. You must determine your fuel stops, hours of service availability, pick up times and delivery times. Unless you do this, you’ll make mistakes. Our fight against pornography must be handled the same way. Have a plan to handle the attacks you’ll get every day, and make a conscious decision to beat this problem. Unless you do, you’ll make mistakes that could last the rest of your life. Decide today to win this fight. Need help with your plan? Give us a call. We can help.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                 

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

You may have heard of people who experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after taking a long airplane trip. Driving for long stretches at a time can affect your health the same as a long airplane ride. While it is not unusual to experience some pain from sitting, pain may also occur because of a more serious condition.

Prolonged sitting or standing can cause the fluid in the leg veins (venous congestion) to build up causing inflammation and pain. The end result can range from unsightly varicose veins or, the more serious DVT. There is also a chance of a pulmonary embolism in which blood clots break free and travel to the lungs. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor:

1. Swelling in one or both legs

2. Pain or tenderness in one or both legs (may occur only when standing or walking)

3. Warmth in the skin of the affected leg

4. Red or discolored skin in the affected leg

5. Visible surface veins

6. Leg fatigue

If you also experience sudden coughing that may bring up blood, sharp chest pain, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, or severe lightheadedness you may have a pulmonary embolism and you should seek medical treatment immediately.

Some tips to relieve the congestion include:

1. Wearing compression hosiery

2. Increasing physical activity

3. Elevating your legs above your heart for fifteen to thirty minutes when they are aching

4. Follow the tips from a previous article for getting exercise on the road.

If you are concerned about deep vein thrombosis, see your doctor. Your doctor may order a test such as an ultrasound, venography or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Are you looking forward to the holidays or dreading another family dinner filled with stress? If it’s the second, you are not alone. Many people dread the holidays due to the stress of interacting with family and all the accompanying drama, hurt feelings, and anger that can result when families get together.

Having people with different personalities and backgrounds in the same room is often frustrating. People tend to hold on to grudges and resentments for years, a situation in which not everyone is going to have a wonderful holiday. However, you don’t have to succumb to the stress and conflicts around you. Here are a few tips to help make this holiday more enjoyable:
• Prior to the event, make a mental list of who is going to be present. Then determine what topics may be off limits or how you will respond to other people. Being prepared helps defuse tense situations. Try to have a sense of humor and remember what you love about each person.
• Remember there will always be leftovers! Don’t treat the meal as an all-you-can-eat buffet that you must consume in one sitting.
• Greet everyone with a hug and a “nice to see you.” Start the day on a good note and keep your comments positive and in the moment.
• Everyone’s favorite subject is themselves, so take time to ask them questions about their favorite subject. Put the focus on the other individual and you will come across as a wonderful person.
• Spend time with the children. Ask about their hobbies and interests and spend some time playing with them.
• Rick Warren said, “You can only win friends to Christ. You can’t reach your enemies.” Make friends with your family; you might just find out that you really like them.
• Focus on the value of the other people around you. You may not approve of their lifestyle and decisions, but you can always value them personally.
• If seeing family causes you too much stress, you can always say no. Spend time with your spouse and kids or with good friends.

And always remember: if the stress of the holidays is too much to bear, log on to www.DriversWellness.com and click on the link to Lighthouse Network. Trained counselors are available to help you manage the stress.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                 

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

The trucking industry is no place for a weakling. The physical demands that are required to be truck drivers are underestimated by non-truckers to say the least. There are ways to get around some of these demands without becoming a bodybuilder, but physical strength is a part of driving truck. However having physical strength is not more important than having strength of spirit. Those in this industry face some very stressful days and situations. You must be strong willed and have “thick skin” to work in it. Use the time you spend alone to build your strength. We can help you with your workout. Give us a call. Click here to comment.

Stress is a normal part of life. Your body is conditioned to produce cortisol, a naturally-occurring hormone, to help you manage stressful situations. The daily stresses that are constantly bombarding people, from dealing with the dangers of traffic to managing money and family relationships, cause your body to overproduce cortisol, and this overproduction can put your health at risk. The effects on your body include:
• Heart Disease
• Sleep problems
• Digestive problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Memory impairment
• Skin conditions such as eczema

Learning healthy ways to cope with stress can help alleviate stressors. Here are a few things you can do to help:
• Eat a healthy diet; get regular exercise and plenty of sleep.
• Practice relaxation techniques; take deep breaths, release slowly. Stretch your body while breathing in deeply and releasing.
• Focus on a peaceful scene; if you are not around nature, look at pictures.
• Develop healthy friendships; having someone to talk to helps release stress. Visit one of our chapels for a friendly, listening ear.
• Have a sense of humor; most of the time, things really aren’t that bad.
• Remember that laughter really is the best medicine!

Following these tips can improve your overall health and combat the effects of stress. If you still have problems or need help with achieving stress management, visit DriversWellness.com and click on the Lighthouse Network button. Also, take time to visit one of our chapels – our chaplains are always ready to listen. Click here to comment.

After a long day of driving, you pull into a travel plaza, looking forward to a delicious meal. What kinds of food are appealing to you? Do you head for the salad bar, the grill, or some fast food? And more importantly, do you shovel it in to appease your hunger, or do you take time to savor the wonderful flavors and textures of your meal?

Hopefully, you will take time to enjoy your meal. Rushing through a high caloric, low nutrient meal and washing it down with caffeine fills your stomach, but later your body crashes because you haven’t given it what it needs to function. This leads to more eating, even if you just ate, because your body is craving nutrients.

Food choice is just as important as relaxed dining. Did you know that some food items can contain as much as a full day’s worth of calories and sodium? Serving sizes have grown in the last twenty years. What appears to be a single food item is often a serving size that can feed two people! For instance, twenty years ago, a cheeseburger had 330 calories. Today that same “super-sized” burger can contain 590 calories. Add to that fries, soda, and dessert, and you could end up eating an entire day’s calories in one sitting.

And have you noticed the size of bagels these days? According to a brochure from the National Institutes of Health, twenty years ago, a bagel was three inches in diameter and had 140 calories. Today, the bagel has grown to six inches and contains 350 calories.

Everyone likes tasty foods. However, a study conducted by The Center for Science in the Public Interest found that foods advertised as stacked, stuffed, and topped, are the worst offenders. These foods, sold at national restaurant chains, can have as many as 2,000 calories, 68 grams of saturated fat, and as much as 3,000 mg of sodium!

The next time you stop for a meal, remember to look for food items that contain omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, tryptophan, folate, and other B vitamins, as well as low glycemic foods. These food items go a long way to satisfy hunger and keep your stress levels low. Watch your portion size and remember to eat slowly.

Here are some tips you can use:
• Have some avocado on your salad; it is a good source of fatty acids (the GOOD fat).
• Poultry (chicken and turkey) contains tryptophan, a mood stabilizer.
• Low glycemic foods (not full of sugar and starch) help you avoid sugar crashes and keep your mood even.
Search the Internet for a listing of these foods.
• Vegetables and fruits are great sources of fiber and minerals.

Here are some tips to cut your calorie consumption:
• Switch from whole milk to 2%, 1%, or non-fat.
• Use lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles on your burger and eliminate the cheese.
• Split a bagel with someone, or eat an English muffin.
• Leave the croutons off the salad and use a vinegar/olive oil mixture instead of heavy dressings.
• Have steamed vegetables instead of starchy potatoes or pasta.
• Eat the pie filling and leave the crust.

The book Eat This, Not That is a good source of information in making better choices at restaurants and grocery stores.

Try these healthy eating tips for a week and see how you feel. Are you more energetic? Less stressed? Sleeping better? Let us know! Click here to comment.

“Work–life balance” is defined as prioritizing between “work” (career, financial needs) on one hand and “life” (family, leisure, spiritual development) on the other hand. Balancing work and life is not easy in today’s corporate world where the bottom line is often given priority over employee welfare.

Lack of balance can lead to burnout and absenteeism, as well as physical ailments such as cardiovascular disease, a weaker immune system, and overall poor health. Many people try to alleviate these stressors with things like binge eating or abusing alcohol and/or tobacco, all of which lead to more health problems.

While you may not have control over your driving schedule, there are some simple measures you can take to release stressors and gain control of your life:

1. Leave your work at work! At home, make time for the activities you enjoy. The more control you have, the less time you have to be stressed.
2. Let it go! You can’t control how others behave. You can, however, control how you respond to the behavior of others. Keep your emotions in check and avoid becoming stressed/angry/upset at other people’s behavior.
3. Eat a healthy diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs keep you balanced mentally and physically.
4. Include physical activity in your life. Yes, you can do that even while on the road. This can be as simple as taking a brisk walk around the truck stop parking lot.
5. Get restful sleep, and enough of it. Cutting your sleep by even a couple of hours can affect your stress levels.
6. Know when to seek professional help. If your life becomes too chaotic to manage, don’t be afraid to talk to a professional. Your employer may have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or you can access the DriversWellness.com website and click on the link to Lighthouse Network, a professional counseling service.

In future blogs, DriversWellness.com will feature more information on how to follow these tips. We live in a stressful society. What are some of the ways you release stress? Comment here.

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding this message to your trucker friends and family.

Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

How do you feel when you awaken in the morning?

Are you refreshed and ready to start the day? Or do you feel like you haven’t slept a wink even though you may have slept for several hours? Do you awaken with a dry mouth and morning headache? Do you find yourself falling asleep in the middle of the day? Does your spouse complain that you snore loudly?

How do you know when it’s sleep apnea?

These symptoms could be signs of a disorder called sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea: the most common type, which occurs when throat muscles relax.
2. Central sleep apnea: in this type, the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

How does sleep apnea affect you as a driver?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association notes that sleep apnea is a major contributor to daytime drowsiness and can prove deadly for commercial truck drivers and involved passenger vehicles.

Drivers with sleep apnea have compromised driving performance, leading to the increased risk of crashes. A study conducted by FMCSA found that individuals with sleep apnea perform as poorly as individuals with blood alcohol concentrations exceeding the legal limit.

Sleep apnea management is part of passing the DOT physical. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor for help in controlling sleep apnea:

1. Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
2. Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
3. Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
4. Excessive daytime drowsiness.

A simple test can determine whether or not you have sleep apnea. Treatments are available to help you control sleep apnea and get a restful night’s sleep. Comment here.

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.

Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Welcome to our new Drivers Wellness Blog. This new blog format will address concerns that have been expressed by drivers like you. You work in a unique career with unique needs.  Many of you are on the highways for weeks at a time, missing your family and dealing with challenges that workers in other professions can’t even imagine.  As you go about your lonely trip down the highway, take courage in knowing that you are not alone. We at TFC care about you; our Chapels are there for you and our Chaplains will always be there to help you manage the stresses of life on the road. Comment here.

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding this message to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                               

Send an e-mail to DWSubscribe@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

The highway can be a lonely place filled with a lot of solitude. But many things can come from these times of solitude, and one of them is courage. Being alone causes us to face difficult times all by ourselves. Whether its slippery roads, bad weather, dark nights, or dangerous locations, we must persevere through these times and get through them. This takes courage, and these times can either enhance your courage or decrease it. Which will it be for you? Let us share with you how you can receive courage. Comment here.

Can you ever recall a situation while out on the road that really pushed your buttons? Some button pushers are obvious, like traffic congestion, rude drivers, and tough road conditions, but what about the not so obvious buttons? These are the times when we need to show restraint instead of lashing out. May I suggest that not even a thought of retaliation should consume our time? How? All this can be summed up in one word, Patience. Show some patience today, your life will be better for it. Comment here.

Quite often, when my children leave the house I remind them to be good by saying “Remember who you are.” My kids know what I mean by this expression; Say “No” to drugs, don’t mess with alcohol and remain sexually pure. However, I would now like to take it a step further. Being good is also an action of reaching out to those who don’t deserve goodness and being good to them anyway. Defining goodness in this way takes the emphasis off of ourselves and focuses it on others. It’s a do unto others as you would have them do unto you thing. Remember who you are today. Comment here.

Sometimes while out on the road, loneliness sets in that can seem way too heavy to bear. Let me suggest a slightly different outlook for these times. Tough times can help us grow, if we let them. Here’s just one example of how we can grow, we can develop patience. Patience doesn’t automatically come; we must go through certain circumstances to produce patience. When we’re lonely we’re in a situation where nobody is around to listen to our problems. We have no other option but to be patient until we can find someone to talk to. So next time you feel lonely, consider the good that can come of it. Comment here.

Our world is in a place of great uncertainty right now. There are wars in other countries and innocent people are dying. Our economic direction seems to be headed the wrong way too. Our houses aren’t worth as much as they used to be, our savings aren’t as big as they once were, and our dollar doesn’t seem to go as far anymore. Even some of our great manufacturers that helped build our nation are now in serious trouble. They may never be what they used to be. Do you still have peace during this crisis? Not if you based your peace on any of the things I just mentioned. However, you can still have and display peace during times like these. Let us help you with that today. Comment here.

As we discuss emotional wellness here, we look at topics such as marriage, anger, money management, conflict resolution and several others. There are certain basic traits found in each one of those topics that one should cultivate to begin the process of becoming well. One of those is being faithful. That means we are a person that is trustworthy or reliable. If we are faithful in our marriages, with our check books, and with our employers our lives and relationships will be well on their way to emotional wellness. If you need some help with that, just give us a call. Comment here.

My grandmother always used to tell me to “mind my manners.” At the time it didn’t hold much water with me, but as I grow older I understand that she was saying so much more. To mind one’s manners means to show gentleness. Out on the road, we all have seen so much cruelty, harshness or rudeness that it can make our heads spin. Many people seem to lack a gentle or mild disposition. What if the gentleness were contagious? If you act in a gentle way today to everyone you meet, maybe someone else will “catch it” and do the same. Gentleness could spread throughout this industry because of your actions. Now, wouldn’t that be great thing! Comment here.

When I was growing up, I worked at a local horse farm just down the street from my home. Some of the job duties were bailing hay, cleaning out the stalls, and feeding and watering the horses. I learned that horses are very strong animals and hard to control at times. Without direction they can really do harm to themselves and others. However, their mouths are very sensitive which is why bridles are used to control the direction they go. A horse with a bridle is a picture of strength under control. Humans are a lot like horses. Without self-control, we end up going in the wrong direction and often hurt ourselves and others in the process. What is your bridle? How do you get self-control? If you struggle with this, maybe we can help you today. Comment here.

How do you define kindness? Would it be a word or a deed? I think it should be both. When traffic comes up on a lane closure, what do many drivers do? That’s right; they try and cut to the front. Remember when you were a little kid and someone cut in front of you in the lunch line? How did you respond? Did you say something mean back to them? What would have happened if you had responded with kindness instead? We can’t change what other people do to us, but we can change how we react to what they do to us. Next time someone jumps in front of you on the road, let the driver in and give them a kind wave. Kindness will go a long way in the traffic jams of life.Comment here.

We have all been disciplined or corrected at some time in our lives (some more than others). The confrontation might have come from parents, spouses, kids, work, the Highway Patrol, or even the D.O.T. (Department of Transportation). Whenever we experience correction, we would all prefer the delivery to be done in a gentle way. Rude, harsh or cruel words only make the situation worse and have the potential to completely ruin our day. Generally speaking, most of us don’t even like to do the confronting either. But when it becomes necessary, do so with gentleness. Remember that saying “Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down.” Comment here.

As I talk to drivers all over the country, I see a common denominator in them all. Everyone wants joy in their lives. No one wants to be unhappy. People fill their lives with things in order to “find” joy. Some turn to alcohol or drugs or the opposite sex in an effort to find joy. I could go on and on. But even if these things bring you some satisfaction, it’s only short term. Real joy that lasts is hard to find. Tell us how you find joy. Comment here.

As I observe many drivers and companies, a single word seems somewhat obsolete to me. That word is faithful. According to the Webster’s dictionary, faithful means steadfast, to show allegiance to, or loyal. It appears to me that many drivers and companies feel that they have only themselves to take care of. Let me encourage you to remain constant with your employer or your employee. Things will only become better as time goes on. Every time we switch companies or drivers, we have to start at the bottom again. Let’s work toward the best that is offered; life will make a way for you to get rewarded for your faithfulness. Comment here.

When we use the word “love” do we really mean it? Real love is unmerited or undeserved, great, transforming and unchangeable. Despite our tendency to fail or make mistakes, we all would still like to receive love. So in saying that, keep it in mind when the ones you love make mistakes. Our love for those closest to us should not be dependent upon how they act or what they do. Our love for others should be unmerited and real. Comment here.

I would like to talk about peace. There are two distinct ways that peace applies to our everyday lives. The first is peace of mind or inner peace. People search for ways to get it; our advertising industry spends millions of dollars to “sell” it. The second type of peace is one we display to others. This is what people see on us, in our homes, at our jobs, and in our relationships. The second kind of peace is influenced by the first. So if someone questions your outward display of peace, then work on your inner peace. We can help you find peace of mind today. Comment here.

When I was growing up, a real treat was having my very own candy bar (I didn’t get out much). One of my favorites was Mr. Goodbar. The name fit exactly. It was good. Another treat happened once a year, when my grandparents would take me to a Detroit Tigers baseball game. I would look forward to going to the ball park all year. This too was good for me. When I see so many things today that are not good out on the highways, I like to reflect back on these good memories. It’s a shame when we allow the bad things to trump the good things in life. I believe that when we show goodness to others, we’ll be the ones that come out on top. Share goodness with someone today. Comment here.

In the last few years, several independent driving schools have emerged all across the country. Many companies have been doing this for a long time. The purpose is to teach non-experienced drivers how to maneuver the big rigs. After they finish school, they go to work for a company and then they have to ride with a trainer for a while. Many of you either are or have been driver trainers. Life is the same way. We all have experiences to share and things to learn from one another. We can be like life driver trainers to one another out on the road. Instruct one another. Comment here.

Patience is a virtue. Have you ever heard this statement? I think that patience is more of a by-product than anything else. In order to have patience, one would have to endure a situation that required patience, which in turn would make you work for it. Very few things in life are free. We have to work for what we get. So if you would like to have more patience (and I know there are some on the highways that need a little more), work on it. If you don’t know how to do that, please feel free to contact us today. We are here to help you.Comment here.

Most drivers equate happiness and joy as the same thing. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Happiness is driven by circumstances. This is the answer you give when people ask you “how’s it going?” If our day is going good, our answer will be “good.” The opposite is also true, if our day is going terrible, our answer would be “terrible.” Joy on the other hand is not driven by our circumstance. Our day could be going terrible but if we have joy on the inside our answer could still be “great.” Without real joy, even when our day is going well our answer could be “terrible.” So, how’s your day going? If you need joy, we can help you find it. Comment here.

Sometimes as drivers, we think we have seen it all. There are some pretty strange and peculiar people that out here on the road. Have you ever stopped to think about what those people are going through? We don’t always know what the situation is. Let me encourage you to stop passing judgment without knowing what someone is going through. Maybe we could help, and maybe they are really struggling. Don’t judge, offer a helping hand today. Comment here.

One of our local radio stations had a “Pay It Back Day” a couple of months ago to instill some kindness during these difficult economic times. I’ll explain. Throughout the day, when you used any drive-thru in town from food to dry cleaners, you were encouraged to pay a little extra for the person behind you. This drew an enormous amount of publicity and praise. People were so moved by this kind gesture that they did it for the next person, and this went on and on. This type of kindness is pretty foreign to many people today. Let’s not let that become the norm. Show some kindness today. Comment here.

Sometimes I have a problem with self control. This means that I have trouble with showing restraint over my impulses, emotions and desires. I can only assume that I am not the only one. Our needs are very important to us and we often think that our needs should be met at all times. Unfortunately this is not always the case. I have some bad news for you; life is not always about us. We should think of others before ourselves and show some restraint at times. Our desires could lead to more trouble than we could possibly handle. Show some restraint today and practice some self control. Comment here.

We all know that a yellow traffic light means to yield or slow down, right? But what do most of us do when we see a one? Most of us speed up (maybe that's just me). Another meaning for yield is to submit. In other words, we proceed with caution instead of speeding up and running through life with no thought. Instead of only thinking of ourselves first, we need to slow down and learn to think of others throughout our day. Submit to one another today. Comment here.

I once saw a Hospitality Inn while traveling. There was a 24-hour front desk, free newspapers, non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, a fitness center, a game room, a Jacuzzi, an indoor swimming pool and much, much more designed to make your life better. They offered so many things to make your stay the best it could be. It certainly was the definition of hospitality which is to treat others in a warm, friendly or generous way. What if each and every one of us offered hospitality to one another? Wouldn’t everyone's life be better? Whether it's a cup of coffee or the coveted parking spot, offer some hospitality today. You'll gain more friends and your life will be richer because of it. Comment here.

The word admonish means to express warning or to give friendly advice. All too often, I hear people complaining about what others have done to them. Of course, they have the answer as to what should be done about it. Why do I tell you this? Because when someone does something that hurts you, instead of complaining about it, admonish the person that hurt you. Remember to do it in a friendly manner and as lovingly as possible as opposed to yelling or doing it with force. By sharing with the person that has hurt you, you will give them the opportunity to change and keep yourself free from gossip. Let us know if we can help. Comment here.

There are some basic needs all humans have that must be met in order to have emotional well being. When needs are not met, our lives can have emotional turmoil. One way to have better emotional wellness is avoid hating others. Having thoughts of hatred just weighs you down with needless problems. Ask yourself, "Why do I hate that person?" Look for the answer and make it right with them. Whatever it is, don't let hatred keep you down. Get rid of it today. Let us know if we can help. Comment here.

When you hear the word spur, what do you think of? My first thought is of what a cowboy attaches to the heel of his boots. They're used to get a horse to go forward or run faster. I never could figure out how that really worked. I mean, if you poke me with a little short piece of steel, I might retaliate. Spur can also mean to encourage someone along when things aren't going real well. Life on the road is tough. If you can help someone that's down, it will make our highways that much better. Spur one another on today and if you need someone to spur you on, please don't hesitate to give us a call. Comment here.

How often do you use the word slander? I’m guessing not very often. Even though we don’t use it often, we still have a tendency to do it to others. Slander happens when we say false or malicious things about someone in order to hurt their reputation, often behind their backs. It shouldn't have any room in our companies and certainly no room in our lives. It will only make matters worse and lead to more trouble. As my dad used to say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Comment here.

I find it interesting the different ways people greet each other. Some kiss each other's cheeks, others shake hands, and some nod their heads. In my spare time, I ride a motorcycle. Whenever I pass another bike on the road, we wave to each other. Even though we don't know each other, we wave because we’re both riders. Depending on where you live, what you drive, or what you do, there are certain ways to greet those you meet. Whatever way you decide to do it is fine, just do it more often. And don’t stop with just those you have something in common with. Greeting one another will help us feel less alienated. Comment here.

SHARE WHAT YOU THINK

Tell Drivers Wellness what you think about the blog on our survey. Please click here to answer the questions anonymously. Thanks for your input!

How hard would it be if everyone forgave everybody each and every time, for each and every thing that's been done to us? That sounds like an enormous task especially when you think about the number of people and the number of wrongs that are committed daily. But if we each did our own part, in our own little world, then it would appear to me that the task would not be so huge. Even though it would take all of us to really get this done, it can start with just you today. Forgive the driver that cut you off or gave you the one-fingered salute. I’m pretty sure someone else has forgiven you. Comment here.

SHARE WHAT YOU THINK

Tell Drivers Wellness what you think about the blog on our survey. Please click here to answer the questions anonymously. Thanks for your input!

The word serve has several different meanings in the Webster’s dictionary such as to do, function, help, supply, and carry out with a purpose. My thoughts immediately go to our highway police. Their motto is “to protect and to serve.” Now even though some might argue this point, it still remains their goal. What if "to serve" was everyone’s motto? What would the world look like if we put someone else's needs and concerns before our own? I think it would be a much better place. Who are you serving? Comment here.

SHARE WHAT YOU THINK

Tell Drivers Wellness what you think about the blog on our survey. Please click here to answer the questions anonymously. Thanks for your input!

I served for several years in the military. Even today, whenever our armed forces are honored for their service, I still get choked up. It's appropriate to honor them. These young soldiers are fighting for our freedom while they are far away from their loved one. I suggest that honor shouldn't stop with our military. We can honor one another. What a feeling that would be to be honor others for what they do, whether it's driving a truck for endless hours, loading them or dispatching them or staying at home while the trucks keep rolling. Honor someone today. Comment here.

SHARE WHAT YOU THINK

Tell Drivers Wellness what you think about the blog on our survey. Please click here to answer the questions anonymously. Thanks for your input!

Have you ever wondered how you're doing, really? What I mean by that is, do you know what effect you are having in your job, in your marriage, with your kids? Maybe you don't think about it much. From time to time, it's good to get some feedback from the people in your life about how you're coming across. Whether it's good or bad, their input can help you improve your realtionship. In fact, you may be suprised by what you learn. Just like getting your tractor tuned up so it will work better, you'll find a little relationship tune up is just what's needed to refresh you and those you love. Comment here.

SHARE WHAT YOU THINK

Drivers Wellness is looking for feedback. Would you be willing to help us tune up the blog by sharing what you think? We would be grateful to hear your opinion. We're providing a sample of the survey questions below so you can decide if you want to participate. If you're still interested in helping us out, then please click here to answer the questions anonymously.

How did you find out about Drivers Wellness Blog?
What type of content (lifestyle, physical, mental health) is most meaningful to you as a driver?
If the frequency of blog updates were changed, how often would be most helpful to you--Quarterly, Monthly or Weekly?
Has the blog been helpful in encouraging you to think about wellness?
Please share any other thoughts you may have about the Drivers Wellness blog?

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

I walked into a truck stop the other day and the place was packed. I had a hard time finding a seat. After I was seated and ordered my first cup of coffee, I noticed that even though there were a lot of people there, everyone seemed to be alone. I wondered to myself, “How can so many people be so alone?” Trucking is quite often a lonely and thankless career, but it doesn’t have to be. We were not created to be alone. We need interaction with others. Hey drivers, fellowship with one another as you travel the highways. The next driver you meet won’t feel so lonely and just maybe you won’t feel so lonely too. You can always give us a call. Comment here.

Humble or gentle are a couple of words that you don’t hear used very often in the trucking industry. Maybe that’s because many truckers interpret those words to mean being weak or insignificant. I beg to differ. It takes more guts and character to be completely humble and gentle towards others when we’re upset. In fact, it’s easier to fly off the handle and cause a commotion. Anyone can let their emotions flair up; it takes more power to keep them under control. Let me encourage you today to be humble and gentle. If you need help, let us know. Comment here.

Around election time, we regularly hear the slogan “Your vote counts.” Does it really? How can one person stopping at a voting booth make a difference? Well, it does, but I can understand why you would ask such a question. Look at the world around us. Look at the unlimited stars in the sky. Look at the vast number of people in the world today. Look at the number of trucks on the highways (roughly 23 million used for business). After observing these things, it would be easy to ask “Do I really matter?” You do. You matter to someone. If you don’t know who that is, call us today. Comment here.

If you have spent any time at all in trucking, you know that there are many different kinds of people out here from many different backgrounds. Have you noticed that we have a tendency to stereotype them before we even get know them? Have you heard the saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover?” It’s best to not assume anything before you have all the facts. There are some very wonderful people in our industry that deserve our respect. Get to know some new people today and accept them for who they are. They just might do the same for you. Comment here.

Whatever you are going through right now, whether it’s marital trouble, financial difficulties, anger problems, or loneliness, you probably wish someone would come along side and offer you some kind words. Your days are filled with enough discouraging words and put downs. You need to hear some encouraging words and it’s always nice to be praised. You know, this doesn’t apply only to you. Other people around you have the same need. Let me encourage you to encourage one another today. Call us for help. Comment here.

Loneliness is quite often related to our disappointment with our surroundings. Sometimes, we may feel like something is missing or notice an emptiness that we can’t seem to fill. Maybe you just can’t put your finger on it. Many try to fill the loneliness with things (you know what they are); however we will never fill the void that way. People are designed to connect with people. Some holes can only be filled by being around and sharing with others. Do you have any holes that you can’t seem to fill? Call us for help. Comment here.

We often ask you how you feel about several different topics varying from anger to your self-worth, acceptance, love, marriage, or loneliness. Today, I would like to ask you a different type of question. What emotions or issues do you inspire in others? These same issues apply to how we influence the emotions of our spouses, children, co-workers or others. Are you building others up by the things you say? Or do your words tear them down? Don’t forget, their sense of significance is influenced by what we say and do. Use your influence to build them up today. Just like you, they are important too and want to be accepted regardless of what they do. Comment here.

We have all probably seen the effects of a crash with multiple vehicles involved. What started with one driver’s mistake began a chain reaction that resulted in many other innocent people getting hurt. Maybe you’ve actually experienced this yourself. Whether you are on the beginning or receiving end, these situations are no fun at all.

Divorce is the same way. What starts with you or your spouse starts a chain reaction that results in your children being crushed. If you’re a divorced parent, you already know what I mean. As a parent, there’s nothing worse than not watching your kids grow up without you. The effects of the “accident” doesn’t stop there though; there are immediate and distant family members, friends, loved ones and many others who may also get hurt. Just as there are things you can do to reduce your chances of being involved in a crash on the road, there are things you can do to avoid crashing into a divorce. Find out how to divorce proof your marriage today. Comment here.

I once had a boss that never asked me to do anything that he wasn’t willing to do himself. He was a great mentor in my life and a great picture of what leadership looks like. Bad leaders dictate to others what must be done; good ones lead by example. Our lives should be the same even if we’re not in a leadership position. The truth is everyone is a leader of something. Think about what kind of leader you want to be. Begin to lead by your good example. Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s better to give, than to receive?” As you serve others in your life by being a good example, you’ll soon reap the rewards. Start today. Comment here.

In order to be on the right road to emotional wellness, we cannot go through life carrying a huge load. We must share our burdens and problems with someone else so that the load is not unbearable. We wouldn’t dream of loading 150,000 pounds on an 80,000 pound trailer. Not only should we look for help when our load is too heavy, but we must bear one another’s burdens too. We can help others that are struggling with something maybe that we’ve already been through. Start sharing today. Comment here.

Have you ever asked yourself, does anybody care? Does what you do make a difference in the world? Have the mistakes you’ve made had an effect on how people view you? These are all valid questions that we ask ourselves at one time or another. If we didn’t get the answers we wanted to those questions, we may feel worthless and then angry. You are not the only one to ask these things and the truth is that someone does care for you. You do matter that much. We’d be happy to help you learn more. Give us a call today. Comment here.

Often when we talk about being lonely, we reflect on how it affects and influences our own lives. Obviously, we do this because we are very aware of how it influences us. Maybe we also hope that by talking about it to someone else, we’re less likely to actually feel alone. However, how often do we think about it from the viewpoint of those around us? Have you thought about the loneliness of other drivers you see every day while out on the road? You never know what someone else is going through until you reach out to them. Maybe loneliness isn’t about us but about others. Maybe you can help someone else not feel as lonely by taking the time to listen. Comment here.

Everyone knows about the Golden Rule; treat others as you want to be treated. This is nothing new. But what does it actually mean? If you asked around, you’ll probably get as completely different answers from each person. May I share my view with you? Be kind and compassionate to others. If we were kind to each other, there would be fewer arguments and fights. If we were compassionate toward each other, everyone’s needs would be met. So, let’s live the Golden Rule. Start by being kind and compassionate to someone else today. Comment here.

Have you ever heard the expression “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire?” In the trucking industry, there are many opportunities to flirt with co-workers, waitresses, and other drivers that we meet. Sometimes, what started as something very simple and innocent, turns into more and you can get caught up in something that hurts your spouse. You could end up facing a divorce as a result. May I encourage you to avoid this situation? How would you feel if someone else flirted with your spouse the same way you are doing? In fact, why don’t you call your spouse and flirt with them. They will appreciate it and your marriage will be the better for it. Comment here.

When you conceal or hide a secret about your life, it can sometimes weigh very heavy. People say that after they tell someone about their problems they feel like a huge weight has lifted off their shoulders. If you are having a problem, don’t carry this weight. Find someone you trust that you can talk to about it. You will feel relief when you do. Not only should you confess to others; you can be available to listen to others who need to share their troubles with you. Start listening today. Remember, there is someone that will always listen to you. If you want to know more, give us a call.Comment here.

We have all heard the phrase “Can’t we just get along?” We have a tendency to laugh and joke about this saying. However, I believe we need to live in harmony with each other at all times. This means we’ll need to practice things like sympathy, compassion and humility. When we are confronted with an angry person, we need to resist the temptation to fight fire with fire. There are enough difficulties out on the road; we don’t need to add to them. Wouldn’t it be amazing if our industry could lead the way in learning how to get along with others? Start taking it seriously today. If you get stuck, we can talk you through. Comment here.

Anger and bitterness often set in when we feel we are not being valued by others. It can seem like our families don’t appreciate us, our company doesn’t understand how hard we work out on the road while they go home at night or our friends are too busy to stay in touch. Our perception is more powerful than other’s intentions. Remember this, most of the time the people in our lives have no intention of undervaluing us. So, adjust your perception and rest assured that someone cares for you. If you need help with that, let us know. We value you too! Comment here.

The Webster’s dictionary defines the word “share” as to divide and distribute, to partake of, use, experience, occupy, or enjoy with others, to have in common with, to grant or give a share in, and to tell (thoughts, feelings, or experiences). If you share with others in one or all of these definitions, you will have very little trouble with loneliness. It’s only when you don’t share your life with others that you may start to feel lonely. Don’t bottle up the experiences you face while out on the road. Start sharing with someone today. Give us a call. Comment here.

Drivers have many things to worry about while living out on the road. At home, our loved ones also have a tendency to worry about us while we are gone. They don’t know where we are at every given moment. They are concerned about our eating habits and our sleep time not to mention our safety while traveling up and down the highways. Stay in contact with them and share your cares and concerns. This way, no one has to carry their worries alone. It will help you both feel better while you are gone. Even if you don’t have loved ones waiting for you at home, please don’t forget someone cares for you. Give us a call. Comment here.

Have you ever experienced a divorce? If so, I’m sorry you have. The difficulties and scars that remain long after a divorce can be devastating. The old saying “time heals all wounds” promises relief, but probably not near the amount needed to survive such a drastic event. Although the initial pain will subside, the consequences can sometimes haunt you for a very long time. There are ways to ease the pain and guilt that follow a divorce. Let us help you if you have already been through this deep valley. If you haven’t experienced divorce yet, let us help you avoid it. Comment here.

Now days, it seems like we all keep pretty strict schedules. There are lots of things that have to be done today, this week and this month. Then there is the honey do list that is longer than I care to talk about Now throw in romantic time with our spouse, quality time with our children and occasional recreational time for ourselves. Finally, there are always miscellaneous things that fill the rest of our time if we have any available. Our days are full. We could very easily get bogged down worrying if we’ll ever get it all done, but don’t. Do what you can today and leave the rest to finish tomorrow. Then do the same thing again tomorrow. Don’t worry, tomorrow will come soon enough. Comment here.

While traveling up and down our highways, you can’t help but notice all the billboards that promote sex with anyone or anything other than our spouse. There are adult book stores, peep shows, “gentlemen’s clubs”, strip joints and everywhere you turn signs that say “Girls, Girls, Girls!” Did you ever notice any billboards that promote remaining faithful to your spouse? Yet the cost of this kind of carelessness in a marriage can be devastating. Most of the time, the price is divorce. When we are away from our mates, we must pay special attention to our feelings, thoughts and behavior. We must guard our hearts and our marriages. Don’t fall prey to the solicitation offered. In reality, it won’t satisfy you and could destroy your marriage. Contact us if you need help. Comment here.

Drivers really look forward to their time at home. After working hard for days or weeks at a time, going home means it’s finally time to get some rest and pampering from our families, right? The reality is that seldom happens. Our spouses are busy with household chores and managing the kids and cannot meet our every need. The kids have their own agendas for their time which means they have very little time to spend with us. Our expectation of what would happen when we get home gets trashed.

What does this do for your self-worth? If you’re like me, you might feel angry because we don’t feel respected by the ones we work so hard to provide for. Remember that you are still valuable and needed in your family even when they don’t show you any respect. Don’t let anger and bitterness set in either; be quick to forgive. Your family needs your love and care. Let them know you’re looking forward to quality time with them and be patient. I promise, your time at home will be more enjoyable. Comment here.

In the trucking industry, there are times when you feel very alone. Have you ever been somewhere new or were surrounded by people you didn’t know and noticed that you felt tense? Even though everything was really okay, you still felt like something’s not right. That was loneliness. Next time you find yourself in that predicament do something that’s familiar to you. Call or talk to someone that you trust. Find out how they’re doing. It will help you feel content inside. If there’s no one to call, contact one of these folks listed here. Do things that will help you be encouraged during the lonely times. Comment here.

Have you ever heard that old saying “A dog is man’s best friend?” Have you ever wondered why people say this? People have learned that dogs are devoted. You can ignore them, forget to feed them, push them out of the way, and leave them hooked up to a chain all day and they will always stay by your side. We could learn a lot from our dogs. We too should be devoted to one another whether it’s a spouse, family, friends, boss or co-workers. They need to know that we will always stand by their side. We need to have people who will be committed to us too. Tell your loved ones that you are there for them. If you need someone to be devoted to you, let us know. We know someone that will always stand by you. Comment here.

Solitary confinement means being kept alone in a private cell while in prison. Generally speaking, this is considered a penalty. If you have never been incarcerated it may be hard to understand how this can affect you. For those who have experienced it, you already know the impact. For people outside of the trucking industry, being alone on the road is viewed as a luxury. However, to the insiders it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be, is it? That’s because insiders know that the loneliness can be so overwhelming that it feels like being in prison. You don’t have to be in solitary confinement. You can be free! Find out today how. Comment here.

Today, it is easier to get directions to shipper and receiver locations because of technology. We now have MapQuest, Google Earth, Streets and Trips, and of course GPS. Do you find yourself still getting lost with these new devices? I have been given wrong directions from a GPS device. Nothing is fool proof. When you get lost on your route, it is easy to get frustrated. Frustration leads to anger and then worry accompanies both of them all along the way. The same thing happens when you get lost in life. If life gives you a detour, don’t worry. Work your way through it, get help if you need, and get back on the original route. We’d be glad to help. Comment here.

I looked at my neighbor’s lawn the other day and noticed his grass looked much greener. I struggle to keep the crab grass and clover out of mine, while his always looks so nice. I went over to find out what he did to his lawn. As I got closer, suddenly I noticed that it didn’t look as nice as it did before. He had problems with his lawn too. Surprisingly, they were pretty close to the ones I was having, along with a few others. After some polite conversation, I turned around to head home. Amazingly, I saw that my lawn looked really nice from his yard. Isn’t that the way marriage is too? Sometimes your marriage doesn’t appear to be all that good when compared to others. We often wish we could have something different. However, keep in mind the grass is NOT greener on the other side. Don’t give up on your marriage. Seek help today. Comment here.

Whenever you think of anger, do you picture someone screaming on the phone, throwing things around the docks, slamming their truck doors, and cursing up a blue streak? These are all byproducts of expressed anger, but they are not the only ways people react with anger. Some drivers are just the opposite because they keep their anger hidden. They think critical thoughts, avoid others in order to avoid controversy, hold grudges, and become very quiet and reserved. These are just as damaging as the outward signs of anger. Whichever way you are, don’t let your anger take control of you. Get help if you’re stuck. Comment here.

In life, sometimes we have to learn how to agree to disagree. If someone has a different outlook than you do, that doesn’t mean they are wrong. In fact, we might even be wrong sometimes. Of course, there are absolute right and wrong points of view depending on the topic. However, regarding the little things just agree to disagree with one another. It will make your life go a lot smoother. If you need help, let us know. We’re here for you. Comment here.

There are some basic needs all humans have that must be met in order to have emotional well-being. If they are not met, our lives will be in turmoil. At the top of everyone’s list is love. Love is a two way street. We need to give and receive love or we will struggle with emptiness. Start giving love today by telling those close to you that you love them. Remember, there is someone that loves you too. If you’re having trouble finding them, give us a call. Comment here.

Scientists say that the fastest way from point A to point B is a straight line. Unfortunately, there are very few straight lines on the highways. There are hills, mountains, valleys, curves, and detours all of which make our days and nights on the road even longer. Sometimes our days feel anything but fast and are filled with so much loneliness that it’s almost unbearable. During these times, think about things that are admirable. Setting your thoughts on good things will bring you peace through the lonely times. Not sure what things are admirable? Let’s talk about it. We’d be glad to help. Comment here.

You love it when those weigh stations signs say “Open.” Yeah, right! There’s a good reason for these scales. I know you might argue with me on that point. When your truck is overweight, the D.O.T. worries that your truck might create damage to the highways. We all need to work together to keep the highways safe. Our lives are the same way. When we are overloaded, we run the threat of doing some damage. There are times that we need help with our load. What do you do when you get overloaded? Who do you turn to? Please don’t worry about your load. Get help today. Comment here.

A television show called The Starter Wife revolves around a recently divorced woman and her daughter starting a new life together. The characters confront the many difficulties that follow a divorce such as emotional pain, financial shortfalls and parenting complications. Even though the show is very popular and has been nominated for several awards, the issues they discuss are very real. In real life, there are no popularity awards given to divorcees. It is painful and sometimes there are lifelong scars. Maybe you have experienced this pain. Maybe you are contemplating a divorce right now. Let me encourage you to seek help so you can avoid the pain of divorce. Comment here.

How do you feel when others affirm or accept you? You feel good, right? So, now tell me how you feel when others ignore or mistreat you? You probably get angry. Anger is a defense mechanism that we use for self-preservation. We are trying to defend ourselves against what others say about our work performance or our character. While your work performance may affect your employment, it is not a measure of your self-worth. You are important to someone all the time. Remember that the next time someone criticizes you. It will help keep your anger in check. Comment here.

Do you have a short fuse? What does it take to set you off? It sure seems like everyone’s fuse is getting shorter in our society. Just watch the news for a couple of minutes. You’ll see the results of short fuses. This should not be the case in our marriages. Part of loving our spouse is being slow to anger and quick to forgive. Wouldn’t you want the same for yourself? No one wants to deliberately make a mistake. Your mate probably didn’t do whatever it is you’re mad at them about on purpose. So don’t get upset with your spouse when they make a mistake; forgive them quickly. Your marriage will be much happier. Comment here.

Do you base your self-worth in the approval of others? If you answered yes, then you might be an “approval addict.” Approval junkies only feel good about themselves, if other people approve of them. They also struggle with several other issues: attempting to please others at any cost, the fear of rejection, a hyper-sensitivity to criticism and withdrawing from people in order to avoid their disapproval. Obviously, there are several problems with thinking this way. I have news for you; you will disappoint someone. You can’t please everyone. Instead, set good standards for yourself and live by them. If you fail to meet those standards, apologize and learn from those mistakes. Now, the question becomes “How do I set good standards?” We’d be happy to discuss this with you. Contact us. Comment here.

When we talk about being lonely, there are some common threads woven throughout this emotion. Anxiety, anger, misunderstanding, ungratefulness and the absence of peace are all ingredients of loneliness. The opposite of loneliness is being in complete peace. You’ll also find thankfulness, understanding, forgiveness and absolutely no anxiety too. Which camp are you in? How do you find your peace? Do you even have any? Without peace, you will definitely feel the overwhelming sense of loneliness. If you need help finding some, let us know. Comment here.

The other day, while observing a truck being started up, I noticed the exhaust pouring out of the eight inch stacks. The smoke went straight up in the air. You know, troubles and difficulties in our lives are just like that smoke. As soon as they start, the “smoke” rises up from them. It’s almost guaranteed. It’s not a matter of if we have trials, but a matter of when and what will we do with them when they appear. Do you worry yourself to sleep at night? Worry won’t really help you get through it. It will only guarantee that you’ll be miserable during the trial. What do you do when you face trouble? Comment here.

When I was younger, I attended gun and knife expos whenever they came to town. I was intrigued by most of the items, but the older knives and swords really caught my eye. They were made of iron. I was amazed when I learned the order that was followed to make these beautiful collectibles that were used in battle or for personal protection. When we’re out on the road, we’re a lot like those old iron swords. Sometimes it’s a battle and we need protection. Have you heard the expression “Iron sharpens iron?” That’s actually true and in order for us to be able to stand our ground, we must keep sharp. Who helps you stay sharp during your battles? Comment here.

I know a couple of gentlemen that live and breathe by the Wall Street Journal. It’s the first thing they read every morning. They also receive updates every hour, on the hour to see how their stocks are doing. Needless to say, these guys are very worried right now and have been for quite some time. Have you heard the expression “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also?” Well, since these fellas have their “treasure” invested in Wall Street , their hearts are just as low as their fortunes are. That’s because it really doesn’t matter where, what or who your treasure is, that’s literally where your heart or thoughts will focus. If you’re worried, maybe it's time to change what you treasure. We can help. Comment here.

Often the stresses of life feel like our enemies. They face us head on and battle with us for what seems to be an eternity. Stress can drag us down, and in turn drag our loved ones down too. I would love to tell you that there’s a way to get rid of stress forever. That’s not possible. However is it possible to fight and win these battles with stress. In fact, there are ways to fight stress that will allow goodness, kindness and love to follow you wherever you go. Let us show you how today. Comment here.

Psychology Today, a popular psychology magazine, once cited the top stressful events people experience as: 1. Losing a spouse through death 2. Losing a spouse through divorce 3. Losing a spouse through separation Do you see a pattern here? Today, in our society, it seems that divorce has become the norm. Maybe that’s because it’s much easier to quit, than to persevere. If you are married, please do everything in your power to maintain your marriage. It may be necessary to get some outside help too. Let me encourage you to endure the hard times because the end result will mean less stress for you. Let us help you today. Comment here.

In 1995, there was a Western movie called “The Quick and the Dead.” It stared Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Leonardo portrayed a young, gun slinger nicknamed “The Kid” that had no fear, a quick temper and an itchy trigger finger. As entertaining as this film was, this character’s life choices did not serve him well. He died at a very young age! Being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry will ensure that our lives end up differently than “The Kid’s” did. Let me encourage you today to practice these traits instead. You’ll enjoy life a lot longer. Comment here.

When considering your self-worth, do you get caught in the “shame game”? In other words, do you believe that the problems or weaknesses you have are just a reflection of who you really are? And that there’s no changing it? Maybe you believe that’s just how you were born or that it’s hereditary. You may even say things like, “I am hopeless”. Feelings of shame and inferiority captivate your thoughts. Keep playing the “shame game” and you will eventually become passive, lose all creativity and isolate yourself from others. If you have set bad or low standards for yourself in the past, no need to worry.

You can be regenerated. This means to become new. You don’t have to stay that old way. Set new, higher standards for yourself. Also remember, it’s not healthy to base your value on the sum of your problems or weaknesses. Be sure you base your self-worth on the right stuff. Need help with that? Contact us. We’re here for you. Comment here.

In our society, truck drivers are often labeled as rough and tough people, warriors if you will. A warrior has the ability to seize control of any situation and conquer it. Just like taking over a city in a battle. Even though this warrior label is somewhat flattering to us male drivers, I think there is a better reputation needed for all drivers. Drivers can be known for being patient and controlling their tempers. I believe it takes a stronger person to control their temper than one who conquers a city. How can we help you control your temper? Comment here.

We live in difficult times. The stock exchange has dropped, the cost of living is up, the housing market has crashed, unemployment rates are up and there is a general uncertainty over the economy across the country. Do you find yourself worrying? Maybe these things don’t bother you; maybe you worry about other things like your family. Whatever the reasons, worry steals an enormous amount of time from your life. There’s not enough time to go around as it is. I can guarantee that you cannot add a single hour to your life by worrying about these issues. Instead, focus and trust in something that brings you hope and joy. What is it you find joy in? Comment here.

Do you find yourselves blaming someone else when you make a mistake? This is called the “blame game.” Did you know that people often do this because they feel unworthy of acceptance or love especially when they fail? If you struggle with this particular habit, you will actually believe that you deserve punishment for failing. The difficulty with this mentality is that even though you believe you deserve it, you fear punishment. So you withdraw from others or blame them in order to avoid facing any failure. This is not healthy. Remember there is someone out there that loves and accepts you regardless of your mistakes. Comment here.

As truck drivers, we’ve experienced rude people on the highways. Whether someone cuts you off, flashes an improper hand gesture or just mouths nasty words, we have all either seen or been victim to road rudeness before. Given the size difference between my truck and most four-wheelers, it always amazes me to see some of the rude and erratic driving habits. Maybe you’ve been rude to someone on the highway yourself? Let me ask you this: Since we know how it feels when someone is rude to us, why would we do it to anyone else? That’s especially true with marriage. There is absolutely no room for rudeness in our marriages. Search your past behavior for signs of rudeness and then get rid of all traces of it from your life. Resist the temptation to make improper hand gestures, using nasty words or name calling towards your spouse. Your marriage will be better for it. Comment here.

A couple of weeks ago, I was out West and traveled through the Donnor Pass. One minute it was sunny, bright and warm, and the next minute it was snowing, cold and slippery. Have you heard the term “white knuckled”? That’s when you grip the wheel so tight your knuckles turn white. Well for many miles, I white knuckled it! I would go up and down each hill hoping it would end over the next ridge. The stress of life is just like traveling through Donnor Pass. There are ups, downs, dry roads, slippery roads, clear roads and white knuckle moments. It is very easy to have fears and doubts during these times, but there are ways to get through with the right guidance and comfort. How can we help you deal with your “Donnor Pass”? Comment here.

As a man ages, it’s almost like he loses pieces of himself along the way, a little here, a little there. It gets harder to lift, pull, climb and take the jostling from the road. Muscles ache, stiffen and arthritis affects joints. Yet, we’ve got to keep working so we can eat and pay bills.

We can respond in various ways. We can become bitter and try to fight it. We can deny its happening and keep pushing. We can become depressed. However, the healthiest response is to accept and adapt to the changes in life. Determine to remain positive and pleasant. Embrace the grace you need to live with the difficulties. Want some help with that? Give us a call. Comment here.

Have you heard the expression “It’s the thought that counts?” Well, I beg to differ. Early in my marriage, I tried to use this idea to excuse myself. Men, please don’t try this at home! I would forget to buy her a birthday or an anniversary present. Now, I had thought about it but I didn’t actually do it. When she asked me about it, I would say “Well, I thought about buying you a gift, isn’t that what counts?” The answer was always a resounding “NO!” It seems as if remembering important dates or events is harder for men than it is women, but that’s no excuse. Part of being in love is being thoughtful about what’s important to our spouses. Men, do something thoughtful for your wife today and women, keep it up. Comment here.

My father always used to tell me “you’re known by the company you keep.” In other words, whether I was doing something wrong or not, it could appear to be wrong just because of whom I associated myself with. He was right in a way, because quite often the bad behavior of my friends rubbed off on me too. Now, I’m sure that in every terminal and truck stop you’ve ever been in, you’ve heard or met a driver who complains about everything. Respond to them in a gentle or positive way. After that, if they still don’t change, stay away from them so that their attitude doesn’t rub off on you too. Start hanging out with positive drivers and you’ll be positive yourself. It will change your day. Comment here.

We attend many trucks shows across the country every year. My favorite thing about these shows is the trucks! There are some nice ones out there. Some trucks seem bigger than my first house and have even more amenities. But the trucks I like seeing the best are older restored ones. The one that stands out in my memory was a 1952 B Model Mack. It looked completely new with eight inch stacks and lots of added chrome. I talked to the owner. He said it took a tremendous amount of time to restore that old Mack. But, what a sight for sore eyes!

It made me think about our lives as drivers. We can’t just travel along and never spend any time restoring our bodies, hearts, minds or spirits. If we don’t make time for restoration, the stress of life will break us down. Don’t forget to add time for restoration into your busy schedule. In fact, share with us what you do (or who you know) that gets you refreshed. Comment here.

Let’s face it. Grief isn’t pleasant to deal with. It’s hard, grueling and it stirs up emotions we don’t like or know what to do with. However, ignoring grief isn’t any easier in the long haul. If you bury or cover it up and pretend nothing’s wrong and you’ll lose days, weeks, months and in some cases even years of your life in the process. Things will pass you by. You’ll be numb to the rest of the world, like a zombie, just going through the motions. And before you know it, the hole you’re in will become even deeper. Don’t sweep your sadness under the rug any more. Instead, determine to break out of the grief that’s been binding you. Snap out of it, pull the rug back and get it out. Comment here.

Driver, are you going to be home today or on the road? No matter where you’ll be, you still have the opportunity to express your love to your spouse and family. How about giving each family member a small gift to let them know you are thinking of them? When my kids were still living at home I gave each child a box of candy. They truly enjoyed them so much. Sometimes, we get so busy with the task at hand that we forget to let our loved ones know how much they mean to us. Make a special effort to contact them today and tell them that you care. Let’s make it a special day for your loved ones. You’ll be glad you did. Comment here.

Some people make the mistake of establishing their self worth based upon their performance. This is called the “performance trap.” The idea is that “you must meet certain standards in order to feel good about yourself.” However, this is not true because you will fall short at times. Some of the problems that go along with this are fear of failure, perfectionism, and manipulation of others to get what you want along with withdrawing from taking healthy risks. Don’t fall into this trap. Don’t get me wrong, you must have standards, but don’t determine your significance upon accomplishing them 100% of the time. Choose realistic and healthy standards. Want some help with that? Comment here.

What causes us grief? It could be anything from losing a loved one, facing a crisis, prolonged stress, loss of a job, financial pressure, broken relationships, unresolved conflict, physical pain to deteriorating health. In other words, anything that hurts. There are many different things that can bring sadness to our lives. Some react by trying to avoid anything that hurts or causes them grief. Do you do that? Quite frankly, it’s impossible to do. You’d have to live in total isolation completely removed from the entire world in order to avoid all sources of grief. And no one can do that. Rather than desperately trying to avoid it, why not learn to cope with it instead? In the long run, facing our grief head on might hurt less. Think about it. Comment here.

Have you heard this expression “Don’t poke the bear?” Obviously, it means don’t aggravate someone who has a tendency to be hot-tempered. Hot-tempered people are always looking for trouble. So today, if you are confronted by one of these “bears”, don’t stir up more trouble for yourself. Simply reply to them in a patient manner. This will calm the storm by keeping the angry “bear” in hibernation. If you are one of the “bears” always stirring up trouble, let me encourage you to practice patience today. This will make everyone’s life more pleasant, including yours. Comment here.

Many of you experience sleeping in your truck every night of the week at a truck stop somewhere around the country. As you all know, it’s anything but quiet. To make matters worse, drivers today deal with sleep apnea, time deadlines, and the stresses of the highway that can make sleep virtually impossible. There is very little quiet time for you. Oh sure, you spend countless hours by yourself behind the wheel, but your hectic days and sleepless nights can make you feel like you’ve been in a hot, dry desert with no water to drink. You need to make sure you spend quality ‘down’ time too. Imagine slow moving water flowing through a bubbling creek. You hear nothing but the sounds of the water. It brings rest to your soul just thinking about it, doesn’t it? Quality down time is refreshing. What do you do to find peace and quiet in your hectic day? Comment here.

Who is the most important person in your life? Is it you? Our society today is very self-centered, and it promotes us to be the same way. Just listen to some of the slogans used in TV advertising, “You deserve a break today” or “Have it your way”. This type of thinking is very damaging to a marriage. Have you heard this expression of marriage “the two shall become one”? In order for that to happen, our thoughts need to focus on someone other than ourselves. When each spouse puts the best interests of the other first, both partners’ needs are met. I promise that you will both be much happier. Do something that meets your spouse’s interests today. Comment here.

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

I often hear and see ads on the radio and television to become a truck driver and “see the country”. These are usually accompanied by some picture of glorious mountains or a beautiful green pasture. As you and I both know, this is very seldom the case. Most of them time you are stuck in traffic or running at night when you can’t see a thing and on very little sleep. There never seems to be enough time. You always have to be somewhere. Your stress level rises with each and every line on the highway. You have to find the time to rest and relax, and put the worries of the day behind you. What is your glorious mountain or green pasture, and how do you get there? Comment here.

You’ve heard the old saying “don’t throw fuel on the fire” haven’t you? Well, this saying definitely applies in the trucking industry. We are faced each and every day with difficult situations. There are a couple ways to respond. We could respond with harsh and angry words which will only throw more “fuel on the fire” and create a potentially hostile situation. Another way to respond is with gentleness. A gentle response will immediately pour water on the fire and calm the situation. So the next time you are faced an angry person, respond with a gentle answer. It will make your and hopefully their day go much better. Comment here.

Part of loving your spouse, is being kind to them. There will be times when we don’t feel like being kind. In fact, there probably were some times that we weren’t kind to our spouse. Our mates will do things that don’t deserve our kindness, but so do we, right? Kindness is not a feeling, it’s an action. When we are kind, tender hearted and forgiving instead of mean, angry and bitter our marriages will be much better. Let me encourage you to do something kind for your spouse today for absolutely no reason to show them your love. Comment here.

In the military, SOP stands for “standard operating procedure.” That means there is a procedure for how the military will get things done that has been written up and approved. Instead of creating your own way of getting things done, everyone is expected to follow SOP. In fact, there will be consequences if you don’t follow these standards. I’m sure trucking companies function in a similar fashion. In order to work there, you are expected to abide by the SOP set forth for each and every member of that company (they’re not just for drivers). Maybe you’ve seen the effect of a company not having an SOP? There was probably a great deal of chaos and stress, right? Like the military and trucking companies, setting an SOP or a standard for your life will help you avoid chaos and negative consequences. The trick is to set good standards. These standards will be what you base your significance on. Do you know how to set good standards? Where can you find them? Comment here.

Most of the time, when we grieve, we grieve over something that’s happened in our lives. But there are also times when we grieve over something that hasn’t happened or “what might have been.” Unrealized expectations and dashed hopes can paralyze us with sadness. We mourn for what we could have had, could have done or could have experienced. We live in a fog as we struggle with our unmet goals and dreams. Are you wrestling with accepting something in your life? Mourning a shattered dream? Instead of focusing on what might have been, try focusing on what is and what could still be. Revising your dreams isn’t bad. It’s realistic. And the sooner you do, the sooner the weight of grief will let go. The fog will lift. Hope will return. Comment here.

When it comes to anger, there are generally two types of people: patient or quick tempered. Which one are you? Having a quick temper or a short fuse can actually make you appear reckless, foolish and sometimes silly. Not to mention the mistakes you make because of having “lost it”. However, those who slow down and take the time to think through the situation and then act rationally, find that the outcome will often be with better understanding and less consequences. Out on the highway, there are plenty of opportunities to either get angry or practice patience (traffic, 4 wheelers cutting you off, lack of sleep, etc). Next time your anger threatens to boil over, slow down, take a deep breath, be patient and think things through. It will help you in the long run. Comment here.

 For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

When we got married, we promised to love our spouses til death do us part. How’s that going? There’s a whole lot more to this love thing than anyone could have ever explained before our wedding day when we made that promise. Some of us learn about love by going through the school of hard knocks. Love is defined in many ways. However, may I give you a couple of words that will help: humbleness, gentleness, and patience. When you face the difficult times in your marriage show your love to your spouse by applying these words to your actions. It will make the hard times not so hard and help you keep your promise. Comment here. 

Most of us in the trucking industry spend an incredible amount of time by ourselves. As a result, we experience a lot of life alone. And naturally that large amount of aloneness has made us fairly self-sufficient. We’ve learned to do most things on our own. We’ve learned to cope with pretty much everything by ourselves. However, when it comes to grief our solitary lifestyle is faced with a dilemma. Grief can’t be successfully overcome on our own. We need the help of others to get through our season of sadness. Two are stronger than one. When one is down, the other can pick him/her up. Is there someone in your life who you can lean on when you’re sad? Who’s picking you up? Comment here.   

For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Do you ask yourself, “Is there a place for me?” Look at the people you come in contact with every day of your life. Look at your family members. What would their lives look like if you were not there? There are an awful lot of kids growing up without a dad or mom. There are an awful lot of spouses left alone. You make a difference by just being a part of someone else’s life. Has your involvement helped or hurt those closest to you? Maybe the answer to that question might not be what you want it to be, but there is time to change. You can start making a difference in someone’s life today by knowing and realizing you are important to someone, and have a place waiting for you. Comment here.