With the Leaving and Junior Cert examinations just days away, students are being urged to look after their physical and mental health.

This year's State examinations run from June 8-24, and according to pharmacists, exam stress can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of young people.

"Stressed and tired exam students can experience stomach upsets, diarrhoea, cold sores and tension headaches. Students with conditions such as asthma, sinusitis and allergic reactions can find those aggravated at exam time.

"The last thing any student or parent wants is for a bout of ill-health to affect last-minute revision or exam performance," commented community pharmacist and member of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), Caitriona O'Riordain.

She noted that this time of year is a busy one for pharmacists as many concerned parents come in seeking advice on behalf of their children.

"It is hard to avoid stress altogether but if any student or their parent is concerned about a stress-related minor ailment during exam time, they can ask their pharmacist for advice," Ms O' Riordan said.

The IPU recommends that students:

-Eat regular, well-balanced, healthy meals. Eat small amounts regularly and try to avoid junk and spicy foods as these may cause stomach upsets
-Get sufficient sleep. Avoid caffeine in the hours before bedtime. Do not study in bed as the brain will become over-stimulated
-Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and headaches. Study in a well-ventilated room and take regular breaks
-For those with eczema, keep the skin well moisturised with ointments and lotions
-For those with asthma, carry your inhaler with you at all times, including during exams
-If you have hay fever, keep windows and doors closed when studying and avoid going outside when the pollen count is at its highest. If you need to take antihistamines, make sure they are the non-drowsy kind.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Guidance Counsellors is encouraging parents to show ‘support and love' to their children at this time, as ‘a little TLC goes a long way to relieve stress'.

"While life cannot entirely stop for the Leaving Certificate or Junior Certificate, aim to keep the atmosphere at home as low key and upbeat as is possible. It's a challenging time for families, but be proud of your child for getting this far, and proud of your good parenting in steering them towards completing their secondary education," the institute said.

It called on students to believe in themselves, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and try to relax some of the time.

"Students need energy to perform at their best and eating healthy food is essential for concentration and sustained performance in the examination centre.

"Students also need some down time, relaxing with friends or family and they should take at least 30 minutes exercise each day - a brisk walk, a swim or a short cycle. They will feel reinvigorated after it and it will help to relieve the clutter in the brain," the Institute said.

Over 56,600 students are expected to sit the Leaving Cert this year.