Heart Healthy Facts for Drivers

As we gear up for Heart Health Month, Trinity would like to invite you to take a look at heart facts!

According to the American Heart Association every American has at least one risk factor for heart disease. Are you willing to take these risks?

What is heart disease?

Heart disease describes a health problem related to buildup in the walls of the arteries. The more buildup in your arteries, the slower the blood flow, which creates heart health concerns.

What are the symptoms?

Common factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, family history, and lack of exercise.

Are you aware of the uncommon factors?

Lack of Sleep: can double your risk of heart issues, particularly if you get five or fewer hours per night. As a driver you know the importance of time.  What we tend to forget is that we are actually reducing our time when we don’t stop and relax.  Sleep can help prevent illness, help muscle repair, memory, and much more. Find out what happens when you sleep.

Chronic stress: contributes to cardiovascular disease as it amps up blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight. Deadlines are crucial in the transportation industry; traffic, accidents, detours can all add up and make deadlines seem impossible.  Here are a few relaxation techniques you can do in your truck.

Gum disease: doubles your fatal heart attack risk. It’s a silent problem that causes few symptoms in its early stages. Studies suggest nearly 75 percent of adults live with periodontal disease. With fewer choices out on the road for health food, sugary sweets are quick and easy.  Sweets can cause bacteria growth in our mouths.  Bacteria create plaque, which without proper removal can result in tartar buildup.  Learn how to treat your teeth behind the wheel.

Psoriasis a chronic skin condition that also triggers inflammation in the body raises heart disease risk almost as much as smoking. Although psoriasis is not a condition you can prevent, you can still treat the symptoms.  Few treatment options are skin lotions, ointments, there are some prescription medicines you would need to discuss with a doctor.  Learn more about psoriasis.