TCA Sponsors NTDAWW Activities Focused on Health Fairs and Celebrity Walks

Activities showed drivers that healthy choices are possible while out on the road

Alexandria, Virginia:

Despite storms and strong wind in parts of the United States, the Truckload Carriers Association and various state trucking associations hosted successful health fairs and “celebrity walks” at 12 TA/Petro locations on September 18. The activities, designed to show drivers that healthy food and exercise can be viable options even while out on the road, were held in conjunction with the 2012 National Truck Driver Appreciation & Wellness Week (NTDAWW).

All of the events began with a health fair, which offered literature, demonstrations, and/or speakers about topics such as DOT physicals, sleep apnea, obesity, and hypertension. In Tennessee, free flu shots were administered. Most of the locations offered blood pressure and/or glucose screenings, which were tremendously popular… and very eye-opening, as two individuals at the Ontario, California, location discovered when their screening revealed very high glucose levels, pointing to possible diabetes.

Entertainment at the events varied by location, consisting of bands or DJs, dunking booths, ride simulators, and other activities. Several trucking-oriented radio stations broadcasted their shows on site, generating excitement by conducting interviews with trucking personalities and putting some of the drivers on the air. Many participants received free t-shirts, stress balls, or other giveaways, and some won door prizes or raffles. Everyone at all venues was able to enjoy samples from TA/Petro’s StayFit menu, as well as complimentary bottled water and fruit.

Finally, if the weather cooperated, locations ended the festivities with a celebrity walk ranging from three-quarters of a mile up to a 5K. The celebrities were a diverse mix of people who come from trucking and/or health-related backgrounds. Some of the most recognizable names included John Ratzenberger, the voice of TA Radio and an actor best known for playing mail carrier Cliff Clavin on the sitcom “Cheers;” Nashville recording artist Lindsay Lawler; SiriusXM radio host Dave Nemo; Pete Thomas, NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” Season 2 At-Home Winner; Jay Blake, blind professional drag race car owner and crew chief; and Glenn Keller, an owner operator and one of only seven people selected to train for and compete in CNN’s Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge. Others included Road Team captains, trucking association leaders, and the senior leadership of various trucking-related organizations and companies.

“Each of the wellness events had its own flavor and was just a little bit unique, yet all of them centered around a common theme, with TA/Petro doing a phenomenal job across the board according to everyone I’ve talked to,” said Steve Sichterman, the vice president of business development for TripPak SERVICES®, A Xerox Company, and the chairman of TCA’s Health & Wellness Taskforce, which organized the events. “We hope many drivers were inspired by our efforts to showcase healthy options for those living on the road.”