Van Drivers Health Warning: 8 Top Tips to Combat Risks
Britain’s four million van drivers have been warned of the serious health risks they face from sitting behind the wheel every day. Motoring experts from LeaseVan issued the warning after researching the health dangers of being seated in a driving position for up to eight hours every day. With millions of van drivers spending the majority of their working lives sat behind the wheel the researchers found they were at increased risk of health issues such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Jobs, such as driving, which feature prolonged periods in a seated position were even found to be linked with increased cancer risks. LeaseVan supply thousands of vans across the UK each year but estimate that many drivers could be overweight as they struggle to get enough exercise. Here are LeaseVan top tips for drivers to stay healthy: Plan your meals. By preparing lunch the night before drivers can avoid greasy takeaways and save cash too. Know your routes. Drivers are encouraged to research their routes and not rely too heavily on sat nav. Knowing the route can help them avoid congestion trouble spots and reduce time spent sitting. Take regular breaks. Even pulling over and stepping out for two minutes can make a massive difference. Park away from the job. Van drivers should avoid pulling up right outside an address. By parking on the next street they can gain vital exercise. Grab your tools. It’s difficult for drivers to find the time to visit the gym but by using the tools of the trade they can easily fit a workout in during their working day. A toolbox makes a great weight for curls and lunges. Use the van. Even the vehicle itself can be utilised as a mobile gym with drivers blasting out push ups and dips while parked up. Be mindful. Drivers should try to stay calm and avoid anger and frustration while out on the roads. So take a deep breath and simply smile if cut up. Track it. Drivers can use an app on their phone to measure activity and record hours sat down at work. The researchers found that life on the road also led to a poor diet for many drivers who are forced to dine at garages and motorway service stations. Now the company has issued a health warning to drivers to make them aware of the risks they face from their sedentary lifestyle. They are also offering eight top health tips, encouraging drivers to take regular breaks and make the time to climb out of their vans and get some exercise. Grabbing a tool box to blast out some bicep curls while safely parked or even utilising their vehicles for a quick set of tricep dips off the back bumper were just two of the tips LeaseVan offered drivers. They also urged drivers to use their smartphones to track the hours they spent sitting and also download a fitness app to encourage them to exercise during a lunch or coffee break throughout the day. Gareth Roberts from LeaseVan said: “Britain’s van drivers are the lifeblood of the UK economy. They are often small business owners who do a hectic and stressful job navigating busy roads to attend to their customers. They are sat behind the wheel for much of the day yet despite being seated their stress levels are often sky high as they deal with traffic jams and other road users. This leads to an increase in adrenaline and stress hormone cortisol in the blood stream so it’s little wonder many drivers struggle with health issues such as diabetes and obesity. We have issued our warning just to remind van drivers that they need to prioritise their own health as highly as their devotion to getting the job done. We understand that many work incredibly long hours and it can be difficult to make the right food choices or find time to exercise but a little meal planning and a few improvised exercises in the van itself can make a huge difference. Some experts have commented that sitting down all day is the new smoking. We are saying to van drivers just get out from behind the steering wheel throughout the day and stay healthy. The health risks they face should not be ignored and we take every drivers well-being very seriously. Our strategy outlines a few small ways in which they can improve their health, which we hope will make a big difference.” for more information from LeaseVan please click here
Popular presents for van drivers this Christmas
From a pair of leather driving gloves to a portable seat heater, researchers have revealed the top seven festive gifts for British van drivers. Experts from van leasing giant LeaseVan.co.uk asked customers which gifts they craved most this Christmas. Their answers revealed a mix of the best Christmas gifts Britain’s army of van drivers are hoping for this year. A spokesperson from Leasevan.co.uk said: “Finding the perfect gift for a driver can be tricky but we found anything that makes life on the road more comfortable is sure to be a hit. “So if you are searching for that special something for the van driver in your life choose an item which makes their life easier – be it a portable kettle so they can make a brew in their van or a new air freshener to make their vehicle smell good.” Here are seven of LeaseVan.co.uk perfect presents for van drivers this Christmas. Leather driving gloves Drivers will be able to get a grip of their van and keep their hands warm this winter with a pair of gloves. Made from thin, soft leather they can increase a driver’s control of their vehicle due to improved grip of the steering wheel and gear stick. Depending on quality leather gloves can cost anywhere from £20 to £200. Travel kettle With this gift van drivers won’t have to wait until they reach a service station for a hot brew or a cup of coffee. Having a travel kettle in their van means drivers can pull over and make a quick drink while on the go. The device can be plugged directly into the 12-volt socket and within a couple of minutes van drivers will have boiling hot water for their brew. These can be purchased for around £10 to £20 making them a great stocking filler for workers regularly on the road. Ice scraper mitt This cheap and handy gift could become a life-changing essential for van drivers during the cold winter months. Scraping a frozen windscreen will never be the same as this fleece lined scraper mitt will protect a driver’s hand on those cold winter mornings. Costing as little as £5 this gift offers great value for money. Dashboard pads Van drivers shouldn’t lose their mobile phone or a set of keys ever again if they have one of these tacky pads stuck on their van’s dashboard. The pads are a useful way to store small items and can be bought for around £5. Portable seat heater This would be an ideal gift for the cold winter months as it will help to keep drivers warm in their vans. While many modern vehicles may already have heated seating, some older models may not which could leave drivers feeling the cold. Costing around £20, the device can be plugged directly into the 12-volt socket and will keep bums warm this winter. Van vault Vans can often be a target for theft due to the high value of tools stored in the back which is why gift buyers who are willing to spend more money should consider getting a van vault this Christmas. These secure boxes provide a safer way to store tools due to their sturdy design and reinforced locks. While these boxes can cost up to £150, they do mean van drivers can sleep soundly at night knowing their expensive tools are well protected. Air freshener A classic Christmas gift for a van driver would be a pack of air fresheners. Vehicle cabins can often become quite a stench due to stinky work clothes and boots. A pack of these can eliminate any lingering smells for less than £5.
