Ingeman's a Handy Guy to Have Around At the Kingman TA

Skip Ingeman, assistant maintenance and safety coordinator at the Kingman, Ariz., TA, has been at the travel center for four years after moving from his home in Wisconsin. Since Skip worked in a factory for most of his life, he finds the constant stream of customers a welcome change from the line. Skip enthusiastically notes that the customers are his number one priority because, he says, "It's good to meet people on the job." Part of that job is keeping the Road King racks filled and tidy.

Skip says he enjoys his position as assistance maintenance manager because he likes working with his hands, a talent that comes naturally from his experience at factories. Skip finds his duties rewarding and likes the environment at TA because he stays busy all the time.

With the opening of its first Fork In The Road restaurant at the new Las Cruces, N.M., TA, recently TravelCenters of America now offers three full-service eateries at its travel centers.

"The decision to add a third restaurant to the network's existing full-service Country Pride and Buckhorn Family Restaurants was driven by driver feedback," said Joe Vainner, vice president, restaurant marketing. "With its coast-to-coast network, TA wanted to offer professional drivers greater dining diversity. This became even more important as the number of TA RoadKing Club members who make TA their stop of choice continues to grow at a rapid rate."

Fork In The Road offers home-style meals and buffets in a 1950s setting of bright colors and lots of chrome. The booths have phones and data ports for today's online truckers.

TA is also updating the look of its Country Pride and Buckhorn restaurants. The new Buckhorn look will be introduced at the Wheeler Ridge, Calif., TA, while the Country Pride at Brookville, Pa., will be the first to have its makeover.

Take a Break, Avoid Backache

By Paige Orr

Driving a truck can make you vulnerable to back pain, but there are steps you can take to prevent or reduce that ache as well as the risk of serious injury.

Vibration, even in today's trucks, is the most significant issue for drivers' backs, according to Dr. Dan Spengler, chairman of the Orthopedics Department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.

"Studies have found that the frequency of vibration is associated with lumbar (lower back) disc herniation and increased complaints of back pain," Spengler says.

"Disc herniation is serious. The disc is a shock-absorber between the vertebrae, and when vibration levels are high, it can rupture, or herniate. Then it pushes on the nerve and causes pain," he says.

Disc herniation can usually be treated without surgery, but recovery may mean about a month off the road, Spengler says.

You can also blame some back pain on driving without adequate lower back support. "Foam or inflatable pillows support the lower back," he says. "This kind of support can help reduce back pain and improve your posture while driving."

Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods. Shift position from time to time to redistribute your weight. Try leaning forward for a bit; roll your shoulders to relieve tension. Take your wallet out of your back pocket.

Lifting can also hurt you. Avoid it if possible, but if you must, do it right. "Keep the weight close to your body. Don't reach out for it at arm's length because that puts too much force on the lower back. Keep the load close to your belt," he says.

Take rest breaks to let your body shake off some of the effects of vibration.

Exercise. Swim or walk and do abdominal crunches (not the old Army sit-ups). Lie flat with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Cross your arms across your chest and raise your head, neck and shoulders about 6 inches, then ease back down. Start easy and build up the repetitions.

If your back pain is persistent and affects your quality of life, or you feel a shooting pain into your legs, see a doctor.