If you have a career as a truck driver, you want to be ready to perform every time you get behind the wheel. You have to be at your best if you want to stay safe on the roadways, productive, and a reliable employee. A Department of Transportation(DOT) physical is a crucial part of preparing you to take on the task of driving a heavy-duty vehicle for long hours, few days at a time. Both you and your employer should want to know that it’s okay for you to continue driving. If you have a DOT physical coming up soon, you can improve your chances of it going well by preparing. How do you prepare for a DOT physical? Check out these useful tips that can help you to pass your DOT physical.
Stay Away From Foods and Beverages that Can Elevate Blood Pressure
A portion of the DOT physical involved evaluating a driver for signs of chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Performing checks on blood pressure reading, cholesterol levels, and weight is part of the process. Certain foods and beverages can cause elevated blood pressure readings and you must avoid these before doing your DOT physical. Foods and beverages that are high in caffeine and sodium can raise your blood pressure from its average reading, and the result could be a delay in the renewal of your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Coffee, energy drinks, and salty snacks of other foods before your DOT physical. Avoid energy drinks and coffee at least 24 hours before your DOT physical and salt a week prior as well.
Don’t Forget to Bring Medications and Other Relevant Health Information
The thing is, there will be drivers with certain chronic illnesses or another potentially failing medical status, but it’s possible to pass the DOT physical if the examiner is shown a record of proper treatment. If you have one ailment or another, you should show up to your exam with a list of the current prescription medications, medical devices, and medical history documentation. This will allow you to acquire the proper exemption or distinction even in the event you have a properly corrected vision, well-managed illness, and medication adherence. You’ll still be allowed to pass the DOT physical and get your CDL renewed.
Leave the Stress Behind
One of the easiest things to do is to stress about your pending DOT physical, but in doing so, you are only making your chances of passing less likely. The best thing to do is to use your ‘me time’ to destress and decompress before your physical. This entails doing what makes you happy, whether it’s participating in an activity that is fun or relaxing. Shake off the stress and avoid stressful situations as well and keep your nerves, and by extension, your blood pressure at normal levels.
If it’s about time for your next DOT physical, take the necessary steps to prepare for your exam. Don’t stress about it because skilled and capable medical professionals can help to make the process a smooth one for you. Get a DOT physical and your COVID-19 test in one place at a local urgent care center today!
