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. 

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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.                                                                                                

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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! 

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.