Road warriors! This is how to stay healthy on the long haul

Much like the sea, the road has a certain allure to the adventurers in us.

An open horizon, a sense of freedom, the pull of the unknown, it’s all there for those who care to chase it … however, unlike the sea, the road loses some romanticism points fast between sore backs, crumpled fast food wrappers and gas station bathroom breaks.

Whether you adopt the road warrior lifestyle for work or leisure, those long hours at the wheel can really add up. Worse, they can wear you down physically and mentally, sometimes causing long-term effects for your body. These are a few of the most common conditions that can occur from time spent behind the wheel, and what you can do to deal with them.

Posture and back issues. Long drives and back pain go together like chiropractors and truck stops, so you’re in good company if you find yourself groaning a bit when you unfold from the driver seat. Maybe the biggest single way to fight lower back soreness in the car is to make sure your seat is adjusted properly, which means you should be as close as possible to the wheel and pedals without cramping against them. The goal is to sit up at a proper angle with a tall, relaxed posture. Adding some extra lumbar support helps with that, and while the specially purposed cushions are best, even a rolled sweatshirt or towel can work in a pinch.

Circulation. Sitting still for hours isn’t just mentally numbing, it’s also a good way to put your legs to sleep. Only problem with that is that the tingly sensation you get in your feet is a sign that blood isn’t flowing as well as it should. Short-term, this isn’t much more than a temporary discomfort; long-term, you can increase your risk of developing varicose veins and even more serious conditions like blood clots and heart disease. While being in a moving vehicle obviously takes away your ability to stand up or walk around, you can get more mileage out of each pit-stop with a simple stretching routine designed with truckers in mind. If you’re a passenger — or even just have a minute for cruise control — you can get blood flowing with some in-car exercises, occasionally lifting your legs and rolling out your ankles, doing simple heel and toe raises and gently stretching your thighs with foot-slides.

Focus and road safety. Road accidents can change your whole life in a second — or even end it all together. Making good time is meaningless if you don’t make it safely to your destination, so take a break or end your day at a motel if you find yourself unable to keep your focus on the task at hand.

No matter what keeps you on the road, a trip to Scrubby’s is the best way to clean it up! Road warriors are always welcome, so visit us at 16665 SE McLoughlin Blvd in Portland!