Some 100 teachers from Nanshan District, selected as "Elite Teachers" on the occasion of the 22nd Teachers' Day yesterday, were presented a "health card" in return for their outstanding contribution to the city's education.

The awards ceremony, jointly organized by the municipal education and training research center and the office in charge of Project Care, was held in Nanshan District on Saturday.

Teachers with the health card are entitled to free health-related services for one year. The services include general health status evaluation and risk to occupational diseases assessment. Based on the two results, health experts in the district will work out a detailed health improvement scheme tailored to the individuals.

The program also keeps track of the implementation of each teacher's scheme regularly through SMS messages or phone interviews.

Teachers will also be able to learn a set of exercises based on tai chi specially designed for them.

Organizers said the event was aimed at enhancing awareness about health among teachers who are usually too busy teaching to pay attention to their health. Teachers are vulnerable to some occupational diseases such as pharyngitis and periarthritis in particular. However, tight teaching schedules and increasing pressure from competition are often forcing teachers to focus on developing better teaching methods.

"I didn't pay enough attention to my health because I am so busy at school every day," said an unnamed teacher at the ceremony. But he said the health card will serve as a "personal secretary" that reminds him to live a healthy life and take part in sports more frequently.

(Shenzhen Daily September 11, 2006)