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Driver HEALTH
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One year to live

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Mario Ojeda, Jr.
Summertime essentials: stay safe and healthy when the weather's warm

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Mario Ojeda, Jr.

Summertime essentials: stay safe and healthy when the weather's warm

For months every year, we see the road from behind the windshield through rain, sleet and snow. Then, after a long winter, we finally see the sight of splattered insects on that same windshield glass. That strangely welcome sight means that it's summertime again, and it always feels like we're getting out for an endless vacation.
     Summer driving can be like a vacation in itself, but I'll always remember my first summer as a professional driver, going to southern Arizona in mid-July. As I stepped out from within a comfortably air-conditioned Kenworth, the scorching heat as I opened the door felt like a barbecue pit. I found myself with fingertips to my eyelashes, wondering if they had vaporized!
     Short of the hottest of hot weather, summertime usually feels great. The summer season can, however, create some challenges for professional drivers. As we proceed through it, let's remember a few simple tips. Following them will prevent unwanted consequences that could jeopardize our health, not to mention our livelihoods:
1.     Stay hydrated. Stock up on plenty of water. It's incredible how many of us don't drink enough water. Here's an easy formula: take your current weight and divide that in half. The figure you get equals a good number of ounces of water to drink on a daily basis. For those of us who are physically active outdoors, it's important to consume even more. 
2.     Increase fruit and vegetable intake. These contain vital nutrients that can strengthen and revitalize your body during the hot summer months. Try to restrict caffeine and sugar because they can leave you feeling fatigued and unfocused.
3.     Use sunblock. When driving, the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun beat down directly onto your exposed face, arms and legs. Those UV rays, as they pass through the glass of your windshield, door and overhead windows, can be harmful to your skin, which becomes increasingly susceptible to rashes, sunburns and even cancer. Apply sunblock with SPF 15 (or higher) or cover your arms with a long-sleeved shirt.
4.     Review and practice techniques for safe driving. A good example is the Smith System (smith-system.com). During the summer months, there is increased traffic due to summer travelers. As trained professional drivers, we must watch out for our safety and that of four-wheel drivers who are not extensively trained like long-haul drivers.
5.     Lastly, stay rested and relaxed. Try to eliminate or find ways to cope with the stressful parts of your life. Take time off regularly, and don't discount the value of a constructive hobby or sport. Also, make sure to get at least six hours of sleep daily.
     In the last issue, I wrote about the importance of laughing and smiling. Now is a great time to put on that smile! Be well, and make this summer your most enjoyable yet.
     Mario Ojeda Jr. is a professional, over-the-road driver.