Substitute Teaching

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Remember, these tips are from teachers, not from healthcare professionals.

1. Wash Hands 
2. Sleep 
3. Exercise 
4. Get flu shot.
5. Although my school is now equipped with hand sanitizer, I also carry a small bottle in my sub bag for easy access.
6. Eliminate soda drinks from your daily regiment and keep coffee to one or two cups (8oz) a day. 
7. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Take at least 32 oz of water with you to school and make it a goal to finish it by the end of the day.
8. Catch everything once, then you won’t get sick again. 
9. I take EmergenC every day. 
10. Ride a bicycle to work. Meaning, get some exercise. 
11. When traveling about a busy high school filled with 3,500 students, if there are two doors going to a hallway, always open the left door. There is some real logic to this! Since most people are right handed, these doorknobs (left ones) get used the least amount (just look at the way the paint wears). This is true also for entering malls. 
12. Keep the door open and heater on even if just vent and to keep fresh air in room. 
13. Cold-Eeze cough drops! 
14. I take the herbal supplement Oregano Oil in capsule form. It is a natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal dietary supplement. It won't prevent colds and flu, but it sure will cut down on them, and will make the symptoms less severe if you do catch something. I also take Olive Leaf Extract for the same reasons. 
15. I make sure I cough into my elbow/sleeve and wash my hands with soap and water. 
16. Drink lots of water and orange juice. 
17. I always take some extra Vitamin C before going into the elementary classrooms. 
18. I think my attitude helps me the most. 
19. I wipe down all of the tables, phones, computer keyboards, etc. with antibacterial wipes at the start and end of the day. 
20. Dress warmly (dress in layers). 
21. Send students to the nurse if they complain of sore throats or headaches and have been coughing. 
22. Keep desks and computer keyboards clean. 
23. Of course if we do get sick, we, as teachers, should stay home so that we do not spread any cold or flu. 
24. I eat Satsumas, which contain more Vitamin C than a regular orange. 
25. I eat a cup of frozen blueberries plus a pro-biotic everyday. 
26. Keep hands away from face. 
27. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. 
28. Make sure to eat healthy snacks periodically throughout the day so your energy level stays up and your body stays stronger. 
29. Using a nasal sinus rinse helps me tremendously. 
30. Take vitamins. 
31. I utilize zinc-type remedies (Zia-cam) immediately when symptoms start. 
32. Laugh 
33. I carry a bottle of water so I'm not tempted to drink from the water fountain. 
34. One thing that I do both as a substitute teacher and a private tutor is carry antibacterial wipes in my sub kit. I wipe down everything from pens to dry erase markers after each class or each student. I also make sure I catch places like the light switch and doorknobs a few times a day. 
35. The main thing I do is take Airborne. 
36. Maintain a positive attitude! I do this by surrounding myself with positive people, nurturing my spirit, and by giving to others and to my community. 
37. When I come home and before I hold my son I shower and throw my clothes in the wash. 
38. Get your daily dose of sunshine (take a 15 minute walk or sit near a sunny window for the same length of time and as often as possible). 
39. I usually wear a small, discrete half apron or a small side purse and have my own pens, pencils, highlighters, markers for the board, so I don't have to use the teachers. If they are out sick there's most probably a hefty amount of germs spread around the classroom and all she/he has touched. 
40. I gargle twice daily with hot salt water. Bacteria cannot multiply in a saline solution. 
41. I take Reliv everyday. 
42. My father, who has been a plumber at a major university for over 15 years, recommends taking your own lunch so that any germs in the cafeteria or kitchen are not consumed directly.