Tamil Nadu   

More alert for testing times

CHENNAI: In about a month’s time, students of Classes X and XII will be busy taking their public examinations.

Children perpetually swotting their math and science may, sometimes, ignore their health. Taking good care becomes imperative during this season, particularly when diseases such as chicken pox are doing the rounds, point out doctors.

From the diet and exercise regime followed to the number of hours of sleep a child gets, a whole lot of factors determine his or her well-bring during this time of the year, when students are prone to physical exertion and stress.

Director of the Institute of Child Health Saradha Suresh says proper nutrition, appropriate rest and moderate amount of physical activity will help maintain good health.

“The brain is very active during this period and therefore, it will need a lot of glucose. Students can have energy drinks such as milk with sugar, and other such hot beverages,” she says. Stimulants such as tea and coffee could be avoided.

Having small helpings of food, at regular intervals would also help. “If the stomach is full, the blood gets diverted there to help digestion. So it is important to eat small quantities at frequent intervals,” says Dr. Suresh.

A walk or a jog will ensure the body get its daily dose of physical activity, and also help tackle stress. A good six to eight hours of sleep will make sure the body and mind get their well-deserved rest, she adds.

A senior health officer with the Chennai Corporation said adolescents were prone to infections as their immunity was low due to the rapid growth of the body.

Infections such as cold, respiratory diseases, diarrhoea, typhoid, hepatitis (A) are common in this age group. But with a little care, they could be avoided, he points out.

Drinking boiled water, staying in a clean and well-ventilated room, avoiding exposure to extreme chill and dust were important to ensure good health, he said.

The family should never take the risk of visiting someone with chicken pox. Though chicken pox vaccines are available, they cost about Rs.1,500 and an adult dosage would mean taking two shots at an interval of 30 to 45 days, the health official added.

He also emphasised the need for a nutritious diet, recommending eggs, milk, green vegetables and fruits. The meal should have enough fibre content, he added. Peanuts with jaggery will take care of the protein and iron requirements and help enhance students’ memory and alertness.

Schools and the School Education Department, on their part, would make necessary arrangements for students who take ill on the day of the examination but are still confident of attempting the paper.

A senior official of the Directorate of Government Examinations said special arrangements would be made to students with diseases such as chicken pox, which are communicable.

A separate room, which is airy, will be provided to the candidate.

Sometimes, candidates may have requests for scribes, use of calculators or additional time. The requests from children with special needs usually come in earlier and specific instructions are passed on to the Chief Educational Officer to help them.

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