The trucking industry in the United States makes up about 5% of all full-time jobs. While trucking can be a gratifying job, many people do not know the steps to take to become a truck driver.
One of these steps is passing the DOT physical exam.
Do you want to learn how to prepare for DOT exams near me and how DOT exams work? Keep reading this article for the best tips for DOT Exam preparation.
1. Avoid Certain Types of Food and Drinks
The most important thing you can do before taking your DOT physical exam is to know what foods you should eat and what foods you should avoid.
First, you want to avoid any salty foods. This is because salt can increase your blood pressure and may give you an inaccurate reading. If your blood pressure is too high, you will most likely fail your DOT physical exam.
Salt also makes your body retain water as it tries to flush the salt from your body. This can put stress on your heart and blood vessels, which is why it can impact your blood pressure.
Similarly, you need to avoid any stimulants that will raise your blood pressure. These include coffee, energy drinks, sugary foods and chocolate, and even some types of allergy medications. This is because they can increase your heart rate.
To avoid being disqualified during your exam, be sure to avoid these foods and drinks.
2. Be Prepared With Detailed Medical Information
Next, it is vital that you come to your DOT exam prepared with all of your medical information. These include any medications you are taking and a list of medical conditions.
You will also want a list of all of your healthcare providers, including those for your mental health. Because this is a physical exam, you will need to include all of your past health problems.
Some specific types of conditions may make you ineligible to be a truck driver. These include alcoholism, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even poor eyesight.
One of the reasons you need to provide a list of your medications is that some of these may affect your ability to drive.
When you list your medications for your physical exam, you also need to include the dosage, who prescribed them, and what condition they treat.
3. Eat a Light Meal
Many people don’t realize that the meal you eat before your DOT exam can significantly impact your results.
For example, a massive meal before your physical exam may increase the sugar in your urine. This is a sign of diabetes, so it may make you fail your exam.
This is so important for those who have diabetes because eating a large meal may lead to more sugar in your urine. If you have too much sugar in your urine, you will have an abnormal urinalysis and may fail the exam.
To best prepare, you should eat a light meal of healthy foods before your exam.
4. Stay Hydrated
Next, you need to make sure you stay hydrated when you take your DOT physical exam. The main reason is that you will need to provide a urine sample.
By staying hydrated, you will not have to worry about producing enough urine for your test.
Drinking cold water is also something that can help lower your blood pressure. By drinking several glasses of cold water on the day of your DOT physical exam, you will be more prepared for the tests.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
It is also vital that you get plenty of sleep the night before your DOT physical exam. If you are fatigued when you take your exam, you may fail some of the different sections.
For example, your blood pressure can take a toll when you do not get enough sleep. So make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep before your exam.
6. Reduce Your Stress Levels
Something that causes many people to fail their DOT exam is stress. Many people begin to get nervous as soon as they enter a doctor’s office for tests, increasing their blood pressure.
If you find that you get stressed when you go to the doctor’s office, you may want to try some relaxation techniques that will help you ease your stress and lower your blood pressure.
7. Make Healthy Diet Changes Today
One of the most significant benefits of DOT exams is that they take a thorough examination of your overall health. It is much easier to maintain your physical health than it is to improve it.
To be prepared for your DOT exam, it is essential that you begin making healthier choices today! Even a few months of healthy eating can significantly affect your blood pressure and other health problems.
You will have nothing to worry about when it is time to take your DOT physical exam by taking care of your health.
Find DOT Exams Near Me Today
Getting a DOT exam can be stressful, especially if you have past health problems that may make it difficult. However, by following each of these tips, you will be more likely to pass your exam and be well prepared for your physical.
If you need help finding DOT exams near me, The Spine Center can help! We offer services ranging from chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and DOT and CDL Exams.
Contact our team today to begin scheduling DOT exams and learn more about DOT exams’ benefits.