Dr. Steven Blair provides Certified Medical Exams, often referred to as a DOT physicals, for drivers, guides, linemen and others that require that type of physical exam. These exams are offered as a budget friendly, locally least expensive. These DOT Physicals at Evolution of Balance are very convenient in that drivers are provided with a laminated certificate upon completion, for CDL drivers their updated certificates are sent in to the State for them so they will not have to deal with that hassle and a lapse in their certification will not happen; further, drivers are provide a notice when their certificates are due to be renewed.
Very healthy individuals receiving these exams are certified for two years; however, if a person has health complications, their certification may be less time. The most common reason for a reduced time on a driver’s certificate is due to elevated blood pressure. For people that have high blood pressure (hypertension) and are medicated for this condition, this reduction in time is unavoidable. For others that have mildly elevated blood pressure or for those that experience ‘white coat syndrome’ (elevated blood pressure due to doctor’s office anxiety), there may be some proactive things that can be done to reduce blood pressure or to get past the stress associated with an exam that can have impacts on a career.
There are some supplements that can help. If a driver knows they have had mildly elevated blood pressure in the past and have some concerns going into their Certified Medical Exam. Supplementing CoQ10 and Garlic, consistently for a couple months before their exam, if not regularly for general health can offer significant reductions in blood pressure. Eating garlic is super healthy but taking a garlic supplement that is optimized for cardiovascular support is more effective for blood pressure reduction. Generally, Garlic and CoQ10 supplements can be found in most grocery stores, pharmacies, or other places where you find health care stuff. There has been extensive research demonstrating the benefits of both of these supplements on blood pressure, with little to no side effects, and they can be taken whether a person is on blood pressure medications or not. Further, other health research has shown that CoQ10 should be part of your health regimen if you are on a Statin drug.
The next suggestion, or set of suggestions, will probably come as no surprise but merit mentioning…regular exercise can really help with blood pressure; and shedding a few pounds for those who are overweight or obese also can help the heart and cardiovascular system. A well rounded diet and quality sleep patterns offer the body support.
Finally, breathing exercises, especially belly breathing, can bring our nervous system to a more parasympathetic state (the ‘rest and digest’ part of our nervous system), as opposed to the ‘fight flight’ part of our nervous system that raises blood pressure. If you are a person that gets stressed over these exams, if you experience some anxiety or get that ‘white coat syndrome,’ consider spending a few minutes of deep easy relaxing belly breathing before coming in for your exam and in the moments right before your blood pressure is taken.. Feel free to give Dr. Steve a shout if you want to know more about breathing exercises for health.
As with other services at Evolution of Balance, you can call, email or schedule appointments online for DOT physicals.