The Teacher's Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

The wise teacher understands the scientific facts about health. Such scientific information serves as a basis for judgment in health matters and for action in everyday living.

Health attitudes are important to health behavior. The conditioning of attitudes by understanding is the basis for changes in behavior. Thus the intelligent teacher recognizes that understanding, thinking, feeling and actions all affect his personal health. Beyond this he appreciates the relationship of good health practices to effective living.

Physical Factors and Health

A commom adjustment the teacher is called upon to make is a change of teaching position. Frequently, it takes such a change in environment to bring about the satisfactions the individual desires. In some instances, the teacher may initiate the change and there are times when the change is requested by the school. In either case, the situation calls for ability to make adjustments. The degree to which one can adjust is based upon his physical health, self-confidence, ability to face facts, ability to get along with others and make new friends and willingness to improve his professional skills.

Adjustment is also essential when promotions come as a result of ability and achievement. A common decision that faces teachers is that of changing from a teaching to an administrative position. Such choices have definite physical health implications. These responsibilities of administration may result in deep satisfaction for some individuals. For others they may generate pressures that result in physical and mental depleltion.

ONe of the most important achievements of the teacher relates to his participation in community activities. Since the school is part of the community, the teacher is expected to take part in community affairs. Likewise the teacher is expected to assist the school authorities in exploring community resources and in utilizing them for the betterment of the s chool program. Pariticipation in activities of community or the community health council or as an active member of a service club are ways in which the teacher can enrich his knowledge of the community and carry out his civic responsibility. In this connection, a vital adjustment is necessary for achieving balance in his activities at home, at school and in the community so as not to endanger his health.

Another important factor relating to physical health is nutrition. Proper diet is important to the teacher because he needs energy, vitality and stamina to deal with the problems that confront him during the busy school days. Also, good nutrition contributes to appearance, posture, disposition and resistance to fatigue and infectious diseases.