8 School Health Tips to Transition Smoothly into the New Year

Bad weather, concerns about swine flu, bird flu and general purpose pass it around flu? What if the heater at school breaks, or the air conditioner? Or something icky spills on the floor? Any number of things can happen to pose school challenges to your health, but following these 8 tips will help prepare you.

1. Comfortable shoes. Forget high heels or snazzy looking dress shoes, comfort should be number one priority. If you need to run for a fire drill, or walk into a puddle or make numerous trips down the hall, the last thing you want is aching feet or injuring your ankle or falling! Vanity is not worth the price when it comes to good health and safety. Get the most comfortable walking shoes possible.

2. Learn to layer clothes. It doesn't matter if you think the weather will be cold or hot, there is such a thing as unexpected weather and also indoor heating and cooling systems breaking. Keep an extra change of clothes to be prepared for varying circumstances or at the very least learn to layer so you can get warmer or cooler as needed and quickly.

3. Hand Sanitizer. Not only carry a pocket size one in your pants pocket or purse, but have a pump one on your desk that other students can use. Teach by example by frequently sanitizing your hands. Also teach a lesson on proper hand washing techniques, regardless of what subject you teach. Think good hygiene and avoiding the flu and germs!

4. Antibacterial Spray. Have paper towels and cleaning spray in the classroom and use it to clean desks, door knobs, counter tops and anything else that gets frequently touched and is a hot bed of potential contagion. Teach your students to do the same at appropriate times. Think good hygiene and avoiding the flu and germs!

5. Clean your purse or brief case daily. Think of all the nasty surfaces your cache rests on in a day, from the floor, to bathroom stall, and cafeteria. Think good hygiene and avoiding the flu and germs!

6. Pack an energizing healthy lunch! Skip the junk food and opt for vitamin rich and nourishing fruits and vegetables. Choose whole grain crackers over potato chips. Choose nuts over candy. Make your own trail mix. There are endless ways to have an energizing lunch and not be bored but rather enjoy a delicious meal that will perk you up. Eating healthy will pay off in more ways than one! Think good hygiene and avoiding the flu and germs!

7. Keep Well Hydrated. Store extra bottles of water both in your car in class room. The water fountain may not always be working and you may not trust the plumbing but you will always have clean good water readily available! Think good hygiene and avoiding the flu and germs!

8. Have a back up plan. Prepare for the worst in case you slip and fall or your car breaks down or something goes awry. Do you carry a credit card? Are there certain situations where you might need cash? or coins? Do you have your insurance card readily available? Do you have emergency phone numbers? Do you have an emergency bag packed at home in case you had to be hospitalized and send someone to your house? It is better to be prepared for the unexpected and not need it, than the other way around!

Think good hygiene and avoiding the flu and germs! Think comfort and safety and good nutrition. Stack the deck in your favor so you always come out a winner!