What diseases are preschool teachers prone to get?

Sep 04, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, preschool teachers are prone to various health problems such as chronic pharyngitis, hearing impairment, neurasthenia, lumbar and cervical spine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and others. Prolonged voice use, high frequency of speaking, or excessive vocal intensity during daily teaching can lead to fatigue and damage of the throat tissues, resulting in illness. They may also develop anxiety and insomnia. It is recommended to get adequate rest, relax mentally, and avoid excessive fatigue.

       Generally, preschool teachers are prone to chronic pharyngitis, hearing loss, neurasthenia, cervical spondylosis, gastrointestinal disorders, and other conditions. A detailed analysis is as follows:

  1. Chronic Pharyngitis

  Preschool teachers often experience prolonged voice use, high frequency of speaking, or excessive vocal intensity during teaching, all of which can lead to fatigue and injury of the throat tissues, eventually resulting in illness. Statistics show that chronic pharyngitis has a relatively high prevalence among common occupational diseases in preschool teachers. Regularly using warm water or menthol lozenges can help moisten the throat, stimulate saliva secretion, and lubricate the vocal cords.

  2. Hearing Loss

  Remaining in noisy environments for extended periods exposes the ears to high-decibel sounds without sufficient recovery time, making auditory nerve damage highly likely. It is recommended to rest in a quiet environment whenever possible. If hearing decline is noticed, a professional hearing test at a hospital is advisable to prevent worsening of the condition and delayed treatment.

  3. Neurasthenia

  Preschool teachers endure not only physical exhaustion but also significant psychological stress. Due to the special nature of their work with young children—who lack self-protection abilities—teachers constantly worry about potential accidents and children's safety, leading to considerable mental burden. It is recommended to practice self-guided psychological relief through physical exercise, listening to music, and adjusting unreasonable work and learning methods to reduce distress and alleviate mental pressure.

  4. Cervical Spondylosis

  Since young children are small in stature, preschool teachers frequently bend over while teaching or squat down to communicate with them. Daily activities such as bending to carry children, writing at desks, crafting, and classroom decoration may, over time, lead to cervical spine problems. Adjusting posture and limiting duration of repetitive movements, avoiding prolonged static neck positions, and incorporating moderate exercise and adequate rest can help prevent this condition.

  5. Gastrointestinal Disorders

  The fast-paced nature of kindergarten work often leads to "fast-food style" eating habits, with many teachers finishing meals within 10 minutes. Over time, this irregular eating pattern damages the digestive system. It is recommended to maintain an optimistic and cheerful mood, as emotional state can influence gastrointestinal motility and interfere with secretion from digestive glands.

  In addition, preschool teachers may also develop anxiety, insomnia, and similar conditions. It is advisable to take appropriate breaks, relax the mind, and avoid excessive fatigue.