NHS Doncaster

Exam Stress
Around exam time you might feel that you have a mountain of revision to do and that there is a lot of pressure for you to do well.
As you probably know…there are things you can do to make revision a bit easier, and make yourself feel less stressed about what you have left to revise.
Talking through any worries or problems you have with your teachers or parents can be a big help. Even just being able to express to someone else what you have difficulty with is a big step to helping you overcome that problem.

Things that may help

• You’ve probably heard it all before, but preparation really is the key to successful revision! You can make your own revision timetable in advance, and make sure to leave time for seeing friends, birthdays, going to the cinema etc.


• Get yourself loads of brightly coloured pens, sticky notes and revision flash cards. Put sticky notes up around your room (or house if you’re allowed!). Maybe stick them on your wardrobe doors and every time you open them read the sticky note out loud to yourself.


• Revision guides are always a really good investment…just make sure they are designed for the exam board that’s setting your exam. They often have exam-style questions, examples of essays or answers, and questions to make you think more in depth about a topic.


• Use past papers!!! This sounds really boring but think about it…there’s only so much they can ask you about! Do past papers till they’re coming out of your ears, and in the exam you won’t have to think twice about the answers!


• When you learn something new, wait a while and then try explaining it to someone else. It might sound silly, but a pet dog, cat, or even fish can help you with this!


• Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing – everyone revises in a different way. Find a routine that’s best for you: revising alone or with a friend/parent/carer; morning or night; in short, sharp bursts or in longer sessions; with music or in silence?


• Ask a teacher, learning mentor, friend or parent/carer for help if you don’t understand something.

Things that definitely won’t help!

• Leaving revision to the very last minute…really, you won’t remember it!


• Leaving all the topics/subjects you don’t like to the very end


• Religiously studying 24/7…there is a life beyond revision and exams. Don’t go overboard, but it’s good to catch up with friends, walk the dog, go shopping or to the cinema etc.


• Cramming the night before…you’ll be falling asleep in the exam and won’t remember anything.

The big day!

• Have a good breakfast if you feel up to it


• Know where the exam is held and what time it starts, and give yourself plenty of time to get there


• Look at what equipment you need for the exam eg: a calculator for maths and science exams. Remember to take extra pens and pencils


• Take a bottle of water (in a clear bottle with no label), and a few tissues


• Go to the toilet before you go in…don’t waste precious exam time!


• If you’re worried, take deep breaths


• Read the instructions on the front of the exam!! If it’s in sections make sure you know which sections you’re answering! Ask a teacher or supervisor if you’re unsure about anything.


• Plan how much time you have to answer each question.


• If you can, begin by answering the question you’re most comfortable with…it can be a confidence booster.


• Don’t get caught up if you’re stuck on a question. Move on to the next and give yourself time to go back to it later. If you’re really stuck, it’s better to have an intelligent guess than leave the space blank!


• Check your answers before the exam finishes…when you’re rushing it’s easier to make little mistakes like spelling errors.

Useful websites!
www.bbc.co.uk/switch/surgery/advice/body_mind/everyone/exams_stress/

www.childline.org.uk/Info/Life/Pages/HomeworkExams.aspx
news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/uk/beating_exam_stress/newsid_3683000/3683887.stm

MMR Vaccine
What is MMR?
MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. The vaccine is combined and protects against all three.
Why should my child be given the MMR vaccine?
If children are not immune to measles, mumps and rubella, we run the risk of outbreaks of new epidemics. This means that babies will be born with terrible defects from Congenital Rubella Syndrome, and children will be hospitalised and even go deaf from mumps. Measles is also a serious illness from which life threatening complications such as pneumonia can result.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Dispelling the myths about MMR!
(adapted from NHS website)
Getting protection by catching the diseases is better than having the vaccine
FALSE!!! MMR immunisation is the safest way to protect your child against measles, mumps and rubella. These diseases can be serious for babies, young children and their families.
Giving three viruses at the same time is too much for young children's immune system.
FALSE!!! Over 500 million doses of MMR have been used in over 90 countries around the world since the early 1970s. The World Health Organization states that MMR is a highly effective vaccine with an outstanding safety record (WHO, 2001).
Other countries around the world give MMR as three separate vaccines.
FALSE!!! No country in the world recommends giving MMR vaccine as three separate injections.
Measles, mumps and rubella are rare in the UK so you don't need to immunise kids against them.
FALSE!!! Children who are not given the MMR vaccine increase the chance that others will get the diseases. Before the development of the MMR vaccine, pregnant women would catch rubella from their own children.
MMR causes autism and bowel disease.
FALSE!!! There is evidence that MMR vaccine does not cause autism or inflammatory bowel disease. There are now numerous studies that do not support a link between autism and IBD and the MMR vaccine (CSM, 1999; Gillberg and Heijbel, 1998; Taylor et al, 1999; Davis et al, 2001; DeWilde et al, 2001).
The vaccine was not properly tested before it was licensed.
FALSE!!! The normal procedure for licensing was used for MMR and the vaccine was thoroughly tested before being introduced into the UK in 1988.
My child has already received one dose so there is no need for a second one.
FALSE!!! Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed to give children the best protection before they go to school. 90% of those who did not respond to the first dose are protected by the second.
I am a teenager/adult and wasn’t given the MMR as a baby…/ I don’t know if I’ve had the MMR vaccine…What should I do?!
If you are under 25 years old you are still eligible to have a free MMR vaccine on the NHS. This is available through your doctor.
If you only had the first of the two injections as a baby, you will need a booster.
If you don’t know whether you have had the MMR vaccine, or don’t know if you had the first injection only, it is best to contact your doctor who will have a record of your immunisations and will be able to advise you as to the best option for you.
Websites you may find useful…
www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/MMR -

Body Dysmorphia

What is Body Dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a preoccupation with how a particular part of the body looks.

What is the cause of BDD?
There is no known reason for BDD. It could be genetic or caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.

What are the symptoms of BDD?
Despite reassurances about their appearance, a person with BDD might:

• Wear a lot of make up or baggy clothing to hide their “defect”


• Look at the “defect” a lot in the mirror


• Pluck their hair or eyebrows repeatedly, or pick at skin


• Display anxious behaviour around other people


• See a medical professional about their “defect”


• Have obsessive diet and exercise regimes

Whilst the face is the most common area involved in BDD, worries can be about any area of the body.

People with BDD might struggle in social situations or find relationships difficult. It might also be a problem to hold down a job.

Who suffers with BDD?
BDD is more common in people with a history of depression or social fear, and often occurs alongside obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, or eating disorders. Current estimates suggest around 1% of the UK population suffer with BDD, and it usually starts during adolescence when there is more sensitivity about appearance.

How is BDD treated?
Treatment could be antidepressant medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (such as seeing a psychiatrist), or a combination of the two. Occasionally antipsychotic medication might be used.