On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, celebrated every year in India on September 5, we highlight some of the most common health problems that teachers have and what they can do to help them stay healthy and fit.
Teachers have a huge role in the education and also the life of students to become successful. In fact, teachers, like parents, play an important part in the holistic development of a child. While teachers represent one of the most important and growing sectors of the workforce in the world, they are often overwhelmed with multiple duties, which make them more vulnerable to stress and other physical and mental health problems. On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, celebrated every year in India on September 5, we highlight some of the most common health concerns that teachers have and what they can do to help them stay healthy and fit.
The fact that teachers are exposed to a high risk of stress and occupational ‘burnout’ is well-known. Some studies have also suggested that teachers have a higher level of mental fatigue -although only a few studies have been published on teachers’ health. Research has also shown that teachers are vulnerable to several physical health conditions mainly due to the dual role they play – at home and work.
Common health problems for teachers
A number of studies aimed at identifying which occupational groups were at an increased risk of suffering from occupational voice disorders found that teachers were particularly vulnerable to developing such problems. Here are some of the health conditions that teachers suffer from:
- Back problems
- Eyestrain
- Voice disorders
- Stress
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
One study published in the Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal said that public school teachers also have an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. The study also found that the prevalence rate of obesity was high among the teachers. And we all know that having excess body weight, especially around the belly, is an independent risk factor for serious health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, etc.
What can you do as a teacher to stay healthy and fit?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent chronic diseases and improve overall health and well-being. Whether you’re a teacher or not, there are many things a person can do to live a healthy life – such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, drinking in moderation, getting enough sleep every night, managing stress and any other health conditions (if any), etc.
Perhaps, incorporating various activities that promote a healthy lifestyle in schools can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and its co-morbidities in this population to a large extent.
Disclaimer: All information, data and material has been sourced from multiple authors and is for general information and educational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor.
The views and nutritional advice expressed are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
