The Veteran’s View: By Dennis Mitchell Here I sit all broken hearted, tried to work, but can’t get started, or so they say. It’s that classic response after a health issue. But what about before you recognize you are really sick and you force yourself to go through the motions and continue to attack your duties? How many of you refuse to admit it when you’re under the weather and your “got to go tank” is running low? Unlike your dashboard, there are no lights or buzzers that will sound off, so it is up to you to recognize when there is an issue. It’s April again, and many will make jokes to start the month out with a little “April Fool’s” humor. I enjoy the lighthearted spirit as it traditionally ushers in wet weather and more unstable conditions (yuck)! Most of you have survived everything old man winter had to throw out there. Now, it’s Mother Nature’s turn, and we all know “hell has no fury like a woman scorned” (this quote was originally from a Shakespeare play dating all the way back to the year 1697). This is only half of that famous quote, but I’m guessing she’s had plenty of experience at creating mischievous situations, so that’s all she will need. I’m going to step gently here because I don’t need any more trouble than I already have in case she gets mad at me. I have enough troubles when my better half gets defensive, and as of right now, I’m in deep TROUBLE on the home front. She may only be half my size, but when she gets on the war path, she makes up for size with tenacity. You know what they say, “The truck is dad’s pad when mom’s mad!” I can’t be sure these days, but Aunt Barb may be auditioning for a post-retirement job as Mother Nature. Who knew! Like so many of you drivers, I refused to consider my health as a major priority when there’s work to be done. We tend to right off any discomfort as minor and disregard it as inconvenient. The show must go on, right? How’s that workin’ out for you? April is definitely a transition month in regard to the weather. Both temperatures and humidity can and do fluctuate greatly depending on which area of the US you’re operating in. No, it’s not Phoenix weather here, not even warm, dry, or sunny. It’s still damp and wet and cold in the northeast, while the southern states are much more pleasant, with warm sunny days, even occasionally reaching summer-like temps. Some may ask, “How is this a problem?” Well, our bodies don’t adjust that rapidly to these changes and we, or at least many of us, don’t use our best judgment when given the opportunity to enjoy them. Especially those of us who already have underlying health issues happening. Most of us are constantly bombarded with health announcements to get out and move more. Walk, run, exercise, get your heart pumping, get out of the cab and experience life like normal people. This all sounds great until it’s time to head back north and the weather changes... again! I spent many years running the north-south routes from the snow country to the sunshine state (Michigan to south Florida). Drivers were always dressed accordingly on the southern trip, and then shedding a few pieces of clothing along the way, as the temps rose. But, when we would stop for fuel and food it was fairly easy to tell the northbound drivers. Many of them were showing signs of sunburn, and some of the rookies were even glowing like neon stop signs. Sunburn can be a minor inconvenience, only causing some discomfort, if it is treated properly. Normally it’s not a life altering experience unless you’re trying to get a summer’s worth of tan in just one sunny afternoon. 42 10-4 Magazine / April 2026 YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR WEALTH
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