The Henry and Stark County Health Department is gearing up for a series of Certified DOT Physical Clinics, crucial for those who drive commercial vehicles. Set to take place every Wednesday in January at First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee, these clinics are designed to ensure drivers meet the necessary federal health standards to operate safely on the roads. Appointments are mandatory and can be secured by contacting the clinic directly. Drivers should be prepared for a comprehensive check-up, including vision tests, blood pressure monitoring, and other health assessments necessary to obtain their DOT medical certificate. In addition, those who are seeing a provider and are on medication for sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression, other mental health issues, and seizures. Participants need to obtain a clearance letter from the medical provider and bring it to their appointment.
If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:
- You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
- You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
- You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities
DOT Physical participants should expect the examiner to review their health history and ask the participant to list the medications taken regularly. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
- Check your pulse and blood pressure
- Perform a vision test
- Observe your general appearance
- Examine your eyes, throat, mouth, and ears
- Listen to your heart and lungs
- Check for spine deformities
- Perform a neurological exam
- Press on your abdomen to check for abnormalities
- Perform a hernia check
For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee at 309-852-5272; Colona at 309-792-4011; and Toulon at 309-852-3115, or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.