Prepare for finals with free breakfast

Can eating a healthy breakfast really help students ace their finals this semester? University Health Services (UHS) says it is possible.

That’s why UHS will hand out free healthy breakfast foods Wednesday, May 7, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., on the corner of Charter and Observatory. At the event, part of the “Eat Breakfast, Past Test!” campaign, UHS will also provide information about nutrition and stress management.

“During finals, students often neglect the easiest ways to succeed — simple things like getting some sleep and eating a healthy breakfast,” says Rob Sepich, UHS stress management counselor. “By getting at least four to five hours of sleep and eating a piece of whole grain toast and fruit in the morning, students can improve their concentration, their ability to stay awake, and reduce their stress level. This can all lead to improved grades.”

Breakfast items include Natural Ovens Bakery whole grain bread, blueberry muffins, granola and bagels; Jamba Juice smoothies; and fresh fruit. The foods were chosen for their immediate nutritional value and to model good, nutritious breakfast foods that students can buy for themselves.

“We want students to eat a healthy breakfast during finals, do well on their tests, and be less stressed out, but we’re also hoping they can learn to incorporate a healthy breakfast into their everyday lives,” says UHS nutritionist Liz Freitick.

Natural Ovens Bakery donated the above-mentioned homemade bakery items and almond butter and Jamba Juice has donated Strawberry Dream’n smoothies. The rain date for the event is Thursday, May 8.

Additional information on stress management, nutrition, and other health tips for finals can be found at the UHS web site.