24/7 SUPPORT LINE

Geoff's Story

Being a fit 95kg shearer, I started driving tankers nearly 20 years ago. This over the years has taken its toll on my health with weight and blood pressure issues, because of the life style I chose to live.

Being an interstate truck driver, away from home for a week or more at a time, I had myself convinced that my only option was to eat at road houses and fast food outlets. Sometimes spending up to $300 a week on unhealthy meals and junk food. At the same time being aware of a family history of diabetes.

Thinking like a typical bloke “there’s nothing wrong with me!”, I felt alright. Apart from being exhausted and short of breath every time I tried to do anything physical, everything seemed fine. I had only ever had 3 sick days in my driving career, and only went to a doctor for a medical every 3 years. I thought I was OK!............. BUT………….How wrong was I!!!!!

After visiting the Mobile Trans Help Van in Tarcutta one night, the nurse said that my blood pressure was off the dial and I was a walking time bomb ready to explode, and that my only priority should not be getting the load to Sydney, but to see my doctor immediately. This was done the next day. 

My doctor gave me a good talking too, and explained to me, in no uncertain terms, that I had to slow down and take time to smell the roses. If I kept going the way I was, that I would most likely not be around to spend time with my Grand Children. At the age of 44, I still have a lot of living to do. A regular visit to the Doctor every six months is now a priority, as I was unaware that I had extremely high blood pressure.

Learning to read the nutritional information on food labels, I now take and cook my own food with me every week. I look forward to stopping and preparing my meals, be it steak and fresh vegies, fish and salad, or meals I have prepared at home over the weekend. Sometimes a stop at a local supermarket through the week is needed to stock the fridge with fresh supplies. It’s not a hard thing to do with a bit of organisation!

By visiting the Mobile Trans Health Van, this was the life saving wake up call that I needed to change my life and hopefully eliminate any diseases associated with my previous lifestyle. In October 2008 when I visited the Mobile Trans Health Van, I weighed in at 151 kg’s. As of April 2009, I have now lost a total of 46 kgs. My blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are now normal. I can now move around with ease and am no longer too tired to do things at home with my family. Taking my own food I now have change out of $100 every week on the road.

Reading my story, I hope it inspires other to take the same steps. I am proof that if you stop making excuses and you commit yourself, YOU can do it. It’s as easy as making a few simple changes, with portion control, kilojoule intake, and in my case, minimal exercise. 

Before, I did not make the time to see my regular Doctor, but by having the Mobile Trans Health Van available in easily accessible places to drivers, this has helped me make the changes I needed to a healthier, happier life.

Geoff Piper
Wagga Wagga