Weekly Health Tip

Springtime can bring joy with longer sunlight, warmer temps and pretty flora, but those flowers and budding trees also bring unwanted pollen and out come the tissues. This can be particularly tricky for truckers as you are limited to what you can take to treat your seasonal allergies. To help drivers, the FAA and DOT have provided guidelines for acceptable over-the-counter medications. Sudafed, Claritin, and Allegra are among approved medications; one that isn’t is Benadryl. Only you know how your body reacts with certain medications you have taken in the past and please do not “experiment” with new medications while you are out on the road. If you do experience any negative reaction, shut down and call dispatch to let them know.
There are some natural things to battle the allergens! As with anything, drink a lot of water, keeping hydrated helps with a multitude of maladies. Green tea is great for allergies as is honey and apple cider vinegar; if these do not appeal to you, combine them and drink swiftly! Blow your nose often; keeping pollen from your nasal passages is half the battle.
Here are some tips on reducing your exposure to irritants:
1. Drive your windows closed as much as possible.
2. Use the A/C to help clean and circulate the air in your cab.
3. Wipe down your truck as often as possible. You are transferring pollens and dust from outside to inside every time you get back in the truck.
4. Shower; pollen and other irritants don’t just stick to your clothes but your body as well.
5. Don’t use air fresheners in your truck. These can add to the issue.

An informed trucker is a better and healthier trucker. Stay safe and as always, thank you for pushing through so product is delivered.