Health Issues Teachers have

Come Summer and Teachers get some breathing time for a month or two. Is that enough for these passionate lot..?! They take up Teaching professionally because of their passion to teach, during this journey they also face quite alot of serious health challenges..ofcourse, after all they are also humans and belong to the hardworking group. In a study conducted in 2015, it was revealed that Teachers have a better cardiovascular system than the common population. They are less likely to be obese and less likely to be smokers because of their profession, however, they tend to face Psychosomatic problems such as Headaches, Fatigue, Knee aches, Sleep disorders, irritability, short tempers due to dealing with people of various attitudes all at once and everyday. Psychological health issues are commonly reported among teachers, and hence the study recommended that there be Psychiatrists and Psychologists along with General Physicians in Educational Institutions on regular or occasional duty for Health Assistance to Teachers, Lecturers and Professors. This group of Professionals also report of regular Fatigue, High Blood pressure issues and frequent Headaches compared to professionals in other occupations.

Musculoskeletal pains are also commonly heard of among Teachers, pain in the Knees, Neck, Back, Shoulders, Ankles and Feet as they stand during most active times of the day, and almost every day, and a day more in a week as in Asian countries and such, only Sundays are weekly holidays. Respiratory problems were also more among Teachers due to the use of Chalk, however, these days Dustless chalk is being used and Markers are being widely used too. Though, Markers and DryErase boards offer convenience and seem less messy, they come with their own side effects that are harmful. Marker inks contain Toxin chemicals like Xylene and Toluene which are chemical compounds that can cause skin irritation and long term exposure and inhaling of these leads to liver and brain damage. Initial symptoms are headaches, nausea and vomitings. Teachers and Students who regularly use such markers and get the marker ink on their skin during usage may have skin irritability and infection problems too, hence limited usage of these markers is recommended and in well ventilated spaces only. Vocal and voice-related problems are more among Teachers as they have to speak alot and aloud inorder to be heard to all and be followed, hence the vocal chords stretch too much and take more strain than they can...similar to professional Singers who also face voice-related issues.

Well trained and Well experienced Teachers may not face Psychological problems but before thet reach that level of expertise, most of them face Demotivation, frustration, Irritability issues and some may even decide to leave the profession as they have to deal with people, young and old, everyday, with various attitudes and be heard to all. Some Teachers who are young face such challenges from students who are older to them in age. They are under constant pressure to keep themselves updated with changing trends in education, science and current topics. There is definitely alot to be a Teacher...they face problems, yet teach us to face problems bravely and also teach us to avoid problems!

..Prathyusha