Driver WellnessNueces County Risk

Management

Session Objectives

Understand why wellness matters

Manage fatigue and stress on the job

Prevent colds and flu

Avoid crime and violence

Live a healthy, productive lifestyle

Many accidents are health related, which makes wellness an important safety factor

Being healthy helps you function better on and off the job

Wellness keeps you on the job earning a paycheck

Preventing illness and disease allows you to live a more comfortable, longer, happier life

Why Wellness Matters

Fatigue

Increased risk of making mistake

Inattention contributes to 50% all crashes

Fatigue is factor in 15% of fatal crashes

Fatigue affects reflexes, judgment, concentration, alertness, and mood

Managing Fatigue

Get enough sleep

Eat well-balanced meals

Keep car environment comfortable

Take periodic rest breaks

Pull over

Stress

Sources

Physical discomfort

Contributes to disease

Affects mood and safety attitude

Managing Stress

Count to 10 or take

deep breaths

Listen to music

Talk about problems

Maintain a sense of humor

Exercise

Relax

Ergonomics

Carefully get in and out of your vehicle

Use good driving posture

Adjust your seat Shift your position Walk around and

stretch on breaks Lift and carry

heavy objects properly

Regular medical exams and screening

Eye care Dental cleaning

and checkup Take medications

as directed

Preventive Health Care

Preventing Colds and Flu

Avoid direct contact with sick people

Keep your hands clean

Avoid touching face with unwashed hands

Drink plenty of fluids

Get enough sleep

Crime and Violence Prevention

Lock your vehicle Be careful in

parking lots, rest stops, and on the street

Carry a cell phone and report suspicious activity

Don’t get involved in disputes

Report any crime or violence

Wellness Basics: Which Statements Are True?

Wellness has little to do with your job.

Wellness involves getting preventive health care.

Unmanaged stress can make you sick.

There’s no effective way to avoid colds and flu in a job like yours.

Fatigue is a job hazard you can’t avoid.

Wellness Basics

Do you understand: The importance of

wellness? Fatigue and stress hazards

and management? The importance of

preventive health care? How to prevent colds

and flu? Steps to avoid crime

and violence on the road?

Lung cancer and death

Heart disease, stroke, and emphysema

Quitting reduces illness and disease

Healthy Lifestyle: Smoking

Millions Have Quit. You Can Too!

Healthy Lifestyle: Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Drink in moderation

Be careful when taking medications

Choose not to use illegal drugs

Healthy Lifestyle: Sleep

Develop a routine Go to sleep and

wake at the same time

Create a comfortable atmosphere

Watch what you eat and drink

Get treatment for persistent problems

Healthy Lifestyle: Weight Control

Extra weight can lead to disease

To maintain a healthy weight: Eat a nutritious diet Get enough

physical activity Balance calories

with physical activity

Healthy Lifestyle: Nutrition

Fruits and vegetables

Whole grains Low-fat dairy

products Lean meat, poultry,

and fish Beans, nuts, eggs Water Reduction of fat,

cholesterol, salt, and added sugar

Eating out

Pick lower-fat foods and

smaller portions

Go broiled or baked

Order a salad or vegetables

Skip dessert

Pack your own meals

Healthy Lifestyle: Eating Well on the Road

Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise

Tips for getting daily exercise

Walk around parking lot, or jump rope

Park further away and walk

Do sit-ups and push-ups

Have a routine for days off

Healthy Lifestyle: Family Ties

Call home frequently

Take pictures of family and friends

Make a video or DVD of yourself

Plan family activities

Keep in touch with friends

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: True or False?

If you’ve smoked for a long time, healthwise it’s not worth quitting now.

You should develop a routine that helps you relax and prepare for sleep.

The only way to maintain a healthy weight is to eat a lot less.

There’s not much you can do about healthy eating on the road.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Do you understand: Why smoking and

substance abuse are bad for your health?

How to get good night’s sleep?

How to maintain a healthy weight?

Proper nutrition and tips for eating healthy?

Need for regular exercise?

Importance of maintaining family ties?

Key Points to Remember

Wellness is an important factor in your job and in your life.

Making healthy choices will help you be safer and more productive on the job.

Good health also contributes to a better, longer, happier life.

Simple lifestyle choices can help you improve wellness and live a healthier life.