PHCC offers school students tips ahead of upcoming exams

WITH the students’ exams period approaching, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has advised students to safeguard their health and improve their academic performance.

“It is necessary to know how to properly prepare for exams to overcome anxiety during exams and get better grades,” said Dr Sarah Bakhamis, family physician and manager of PHCC’s Al Mashaf Health Centre.

Students focus all their attention on studying and neglect their health. Dr Bakhamis advised students to eat healthy, be sure to drink fluids while studying, such as water and fresh fruit juices, and exercise, as they are good for their brains. Students can walk outside the house for a short distance, as it helps reduce stress.

Dr Bakhamis reminded students with chronic diseases, such as asthma, abnormal blood pressure, or diabetes to bring their medications to school to avoid feeling unwell during exams.

She also advised students to practice breathing techniques, inhaling and exhaling, as well as relaxation techniques. Additionally, she suggested getting enough sleep at night and taking short walks while studying, every 5 or 10 minutes, to avoid sitting in the same place for long periods or adopting incorrect postures that could negatively affect the back and neck. Furthermore, she recommended avoiding constant focus on computer screens or other electronic devices.

Dr Bakhamis added that studying late at night is not effective, as it does not allow students to give their brains proper rest, making it difficult to recall information. Staying up late also leads to severe fatigue, exhaustion, and stress. Furthermore, overconsumption of stimulants may increase heart rate and negatively affect concentration skills.

She noted that the best time to study is during the early morning hours and from 5 pm to 8 pm. She advised students to ensure they get at least 6-7 hours of sleep before the exam. This is important

Eat healthy, be sure to drink fluids while studying, such as water and fresh fruit juices, and exercise, as they are good for the brain

for reasons related to metabolism, memory stabilization, calming nerves, and improving focus during the exam, all of which can ultimately help raise their academic performance.

On the night before the exam, Dr. Bakhamis recommended reviewing summaries of the material and focusing on the important points that students have prepared instead of studying extensively. She advised students to take a minute to ensure that they remember and understand each topic well before moving on to another one.

Students should prepare the equipment they need for the exam ahead of time. She also advised them to have their breakfast early in the morning to avoid being late for school said Dr Bakhamis