Teaching can be a rewarding career that fulfills a person in an existential sense. Despite the benefits, however, this job is also one that can lead to certain health problems. Instead of quitting on a profession that you otherwise love, consider approaches you can take to resolving these issues.
The Common Cold
Spending so many hours per day in a classroom with a potentially large number of people, particularly during cold season, is likely to circulate disease. Furthermore, students and teachers often exchange paper in the form of tests, assignments and essays, so the probability of transmitting a cold grows. As many teachers know, as soon as one student in the class starts sneezing, others are sure to follow. Taking standard precautions, such as washing your hands and using sanitizer, is a useful approach. In addition, consider wearing a face mask throughout cold season.
The Flu
Just as the cold can rapidly spread through an entire classroom and school building, so can the flu. Of course, you can take the same precautions as you would with a cold, but the implications of the flu can be much more serious. In addition to following hygiene protocols and wearing a mask, you should also look into getting the annual flu shot. During the height of flu season, you may even want to move to a paperless classroom.
Exhaustion
Teaching can lead people to a host of personal and financial benefits, but the perks often come with a cost. Many teachers are exhausted. They have assignments to grade and lessons to make. Further, they need to stay in contact with students and parents. These obligations do not end when the final bell of the school day rings. While you don’t necessarily need to cut back to performing only the most basic tasks of your job, consider what you can reduce. Also, get in the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
Physical Pain
While you do have the opportunity to take breaks as a teacher, you also likely stand for many hours per day. This standing can take a toll on your body. In fact, according to “Health Implications of School Teachers – A Review,” “Varicose vein for teachers may be mainly caused by prolonged standing when teacher classes.” Aim to build more time into your day to sit. For example, when the students are doing a brainstorming activity for an upcoming essay, take breaks to sit down. You can get up to circulate the classroom every so often.
Stress
The field of teaching is a stressful one for a variety of reasons. For example, many teachers make an “inadequate salary.” Find out what it takes to make more money in your district. You may need to take some classes and earn more college credits in order to get to the next level of pay. Teachers also get stressed when their students aren’t doing well. At some point, you have to realize that you have done all that you can. Put in your absolute best effort with each student, but recognize that you might not succeed every single time.
Hypertension
Another surprising health problem that a number of teachers face is hypertension. Some of the other issues, such as a lack of sleep and too much stress, could be at the cause of this issue. Teachers may also find themselves eating fast food often as they race from obligation to obligation. Speaking with your doctor is a necessity when it comes to hypertension. What you’ll want to do is determine the root cause of your high blood pressure so that you can address that problem.
While teaching is certainly a rewarding career in many ways, the profession comes with a variety of common health problems. Take the necessary steps to keep yourself healthy this school year.