MERRIMAC — Department of Public Works employees are prepared to face long winter nights ahead while staying alert and healthy, thanks to a Snow Plow Driver wellness training offered free of charge by the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, Merrimac’s health insurance provider.
Sixteen Merrimac workers from highway, water and sewer divisions — as well as the DPW director — participated in the program, which was held Dec. 19 at the Merrimac Town Library.
The hour-long training session focused on informative tips for working long night-time shifts throughout the winter months, including how to stay alert, maintain a healthy diet, avoid back problems and stay limber to prevent muscle tightness. Participants learned how to make healthier, energizing food choices while on the road and at fast food restaurants. Because most work-related back injuries occur to the lower back, exercise trainers also demonstrated safe lifting techniques and proper stretching to target back pain and muscle stiffness that can occur during truck driving.
“The town is fortunate to be able to use the resources provided by MIIA for Health and Wellness training and support,” said Carol McLeod, Merrimac finance director, in a press release. “The programs not only give the employees information to help learn healthier lifestyles, but the town also benefits with credits for participation, which reduces our insurance costs.”
![Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor-9 [Duplicate]](http://d6673sr63mbv7.cloudfront.net/archive/x2026364367/g04803c00000000000066167ee6be537dccd4ec483dbaede5fe92df9d05.jpg "Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor-9 [Duplicate]"){kind=small}
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
