Pub. 1 2020 Issue 1

12 Kentucky Trucker Kentucky Trucking Association continued from page 11 There are two different ways for truckers to build or maintain community: • Friends within the trucking industry • Family and friends at home The internet and cell phones have made it easier than ever before for people to stay in touch with each other, even with long stretches on the road that may lack service. Truckers can choose to be social and to talk to other truckers at stops. They can also take advantage of driver lounges. Personal inter- actions with other drivers are a chance to build relationships with other people who face the same challenges they face. If a friendship develops, they can exchange num- bers and talk to each other while on the road. When truckers are in towns or areas where it’s possible to call or text those at home, they should do exactly that. Experts recommend connecting with loved ones at least once every day. Eat Better Food Fast food has too much salt, fat, and sugar to be healthy, and the portions are too big. What can a trucker do? • The best idea is to figure it out as much as possible in advance. Find out where the healthiest stops are going to be. • Have a cooler or refrigerator in the truck, and pack it with vegetables and fresh fruit. Keep nuts and dried fruit on hand, too. • Cut down on portion sizes. Saving money by ordering a larger meal is not going to do you any good later in life. Where are you going to spend the money you saved? If the answer is on medical care, maybe you should buy something smaller and healthier instead. • At fast food restaurants, figure out how to eat the healthiest possible meal. Choose a salad instead of fries; buy the smallest possible burger, and consider buying the vegetable burger, if the menu has one available. Exercise Exercise has a lot of benefits. It’s not going to make anyone thin unless taken to extremes, but it makes the body feel better and work better.