#OrganizationOfTheWeek – A Conversation with Dis-Lalie

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As we’ve seen, the Ademmoos association brings together elected representatives from every sector! This week, we’re focusing on the speech-language pathologists in Montpellier through the Dis-Lalie association! 

In a few words, what is the Dis-lalie association?

Dis-Lalie, founded in 1998, is the association for speech-language pathology students in Montpellier. The association’s goals are to foster student life through a variety of events and to represent speech-language pathology students in Montpellier within the federations to which Dis-Lalie belongs, namely the FNEO (National Federation of Speech-Language Pathology Students) and AGEM (General Association of Montpellier Students), to help students prepare for their transition into the workforce through conferences, training sessions, and meetings with partners and healthcare professionals, and to support students in defending their rights and ensuring the smooth progress of their education by engaging with university and local authorities.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

Throughout the year, Dis-Lalie organizes events for student members:

  • Team-building events : team-building weekends and afternoons, evening events, meals, ski trips, end-of-year ceremonies, attendance at the graduation ceremony for new graduates…
  • Speech-language pathology training : lectures (on Alzheimer’s disease, lip-reading, stuttering, etc.), training sessions, and workshops related to the profession (drawing, accounting, etc.)
  • Wellness events : sophrology and yoga workshops.
  • Cultural events : city tour, tour of the anatomy museum, hikes around Montpellier, beer and chocolate tastings…
  • Events focused on prevention, civic engagement, and solidarity: bake sales for Telethon Week, Pink October, and Sidaction, with proceeds donated to charities; toy drives for hospitalized children at Christmas; collections of plastic bottle caps to be reused to make assistive devices for people with disabilities; and participation in the “Teddy Bear Drive” at the hospital…

Dis-Lalie also supports students throughout their studies. Whether by offering discounts on speech-language pathology materials through our partnerships with publishers or by informing students about the financial aid and transportation assistance available to them. We also assist students who wish to spend a semester abroad with the necessary administrative procedures. Dis-Lalie further supports students interested in pursuing a university degree in speech-language pathology by sharing testimonials from speech-language pathology students on social media and by hosting applicants during their oral exams, among other things.

Why did you personally choose the Speech-Language Pathology program, and what does the association offer students in this program?

Personally, I chose to pursue a career in speech-language pathology because it is a profession focused on care and, above all, rehabilitation, which allows you to witness real progress in patients, particularly through speech-language therapy.  It’s a very diverse field. Indeed, patients come in all ages, and the conditions and rehabilitation methods are highly varied. For example, a speech-language pathologist may work with newborns who have oral development disorders, children with learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysorthography, dyscalculia…), as well as patients with neurological disorders, hearing loss, those recovering from a stroke, or even those recovering from COVID-19! It is therefore a profession in which every case is different, offering the choice to work in a healthcare facility or in private practice, and providing the opportunity for ongoing training throughout one’s career on a wide variety of conditions.

Why do you think people should join your organization? 

Our association allows speech-language pathology students in Montpellier to come together at various events, which fosters a sense of community and encourages sharing among students at our training center. Membership in Dis-Lalie offers students many benefits:

  • Discounts or free admission to events organized by the association
  • Access to conferences and training sessions on speech-language pathology, organized by our Vice President of Training
  • Preferential rates from our partner companies: insurance companies, publishing houses, etc.
  • Discounted or free travel to events organized by the FNEO (training weekends and the national convention)
  • Opportunity to participate in all team-building, cultural, and wellness events organized by the association
  • Voting Rights at General Meetings

How do I sign up? 

Membership registration takes place every year in September. The membership fee for the 2019–2020 year is set at 11€.

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

The election of the 2020–2021 executive board will take place at the end of October during the handover general meeting. The election of Dis-Lalie’s new executive board will be conducted on a position-by-position basis. Each candidate will have the opportunity to present their rationale to the assembly. Each year, the executive board consists of two co-chairs, a secretary, a treasurer, a vice president in charge of communications, a vice president in charge of training, a vice president in charge of international mobility, a vice president in charge of social issues, a vice president in charge of culture, a vice president in charge of partnerships, a vice president in charge of student representation, vice presidents in charge of events, vice presidents in charge of social gatherings, vice presidents in charge of prevention, citizenship, and solidarity, and an admissions coordinator.

Here are our contact details. Feel free to follow us on social media:

 

 

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#OrganizationOfTheWeek – A Look at ADEMMOOS

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Last week, we met with the Association Carabins Montpelliéraine to learn more about student life for medical students. Today, Salomé Duteurtre, the Student Vice Dean, is answering our questions!

In a nutshell, what is ADEMMOOS?

ADEMMOOS is the Association of Student Representatives from Montpellier-Nîmes in the fields of Medicine, Speech-Language Pathology, Orthoptics, and Midwifery. It brings together nearly 40 elected student representatives from the various programs. 

We work every day to:

  • in Interprofessionalism : all of the faculty’s academic programs are represented;
  • in Intersite, through a collaboration between residents of Montpellier and Nîmes;
  • for Represent all students in the UFR in dealings with the administration, the faculty, and the university hospital.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

Above all, our year is shaped by our student advocacy efforts.

As such, we are represented on two major councils within the faculty:

  • The Academic Council facilitates collaboration among the various stakeholders in the faculty (faculty members, administrative staff, and students) regarding the programs offered by the UFR. Topics discussed include assessment methods and the evaluation of teaching materials. 
  • The Management Council is the faculty’s decision-making body, which votes on and reviews the internal regulations, the budget, agreements entered into by the faculty, and educational programs.

 

Our goal, therefore, is to give students a voice, often by conducting surveys that allow us to carefully gather their opinions and positions on the various issues that arise during the academic year. 

In addition, we are also carrying out a number of projects to improve our training conditions. For example, several of our initiatives focus on health promotion:

  • Improving student well-being in all its forms is one of our priorities. Given the difficulty and demands of our programs, some students may find themselves struggling; we strive to support them and refer them to resources that can help.
  • We are raising awareness about the flu vaccine to encourage students—future healthcare professionals—to get vaccinated. In particular, we organized a vaccination day on the faculty campus. 

We also support initiatives aimed at enhancing student life on campus. We participate in Open House events and European Heritage Days to lead tours and engage with the public. In addition, we help design and develop living and workspaces.

We keep students informed about the latest news from the faculty; for example, during the COVID-19 crisis, we kept them regularly updated on the situation and changes to our programs.

We help medical interns choose their specialties through the Forum du Futur Interne (FFI), which we organize in collaboration with the Languedoc-Roussillon Interns' Union.

Finally, we work with all of the faculty’s student organizations:

  • We support student-led support and educational initiatives: PACES tutoring, tutoring for upper-level medical and midwifery students, iECN prep workshops…
  • We participate in student representation at the local level (AGEM) and at the national level through our respective academic program associations.

What does the association offer students?

Our organization promotes several things:

  • the support and the representation of all students enrolled in the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine at the University of Montpellier;
  • the promotion of improving student life (in terms of the quality of studies and educational offerings) within the UFR by establishing an ongoing dialogue between students, their elected representatives, and student organizations—across all programs—belonging to the UFR;
  • the gathering of students from the various departments within the UFR, particularly through the development of joint student initiatives, in order to transcend the divisions inherent in the different degree programs and foster mutual inspiration by leveraging the synergy of diverse skills.

Furthermore, students are not required to make any financial contributions. Simply being enrolled in the UFR allows students to participate in all the activities offered by our association.

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

Our association's executive board is made up of students—whether or not they are elected UFR representatives—who are appointed for a one-year term from October to October to coordinate the team of student representatives.

The 2020–2021 term of office will begin this summer: please feel free to contact the current board if you’re interested in any of the positions!

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about student representation!

 

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#OrganizationOfTheWeek – A Look at the Association Carabine Montpelliéraine

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In addition to the Med’Ley Association, this week we’re also featuring the Association Carabine Montpelliéraine (ACM) and its president, Colin Azria.

In a nutshell, what is the Association Carabine Montpellieraine?

The Association Carabine Montpelliéraine (or the Montpellier Medical Student Association) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and non-denominational association governed by the 1901 law, which aims to represent medical students in Montpellier. It is the only association that officially and exclusively represents medical students in Montpellier from the 1st year (PACES) through the 6th year.

Working closely with the PACES Tutoring Program and the teaching staff of the UFR Medicine, the ACM supports students throughout their academic career by providing a variety of resources (books, handouts, stethoscopes, and other supplies) and offering them the opportunity to participate in various events (community service initiatives, cultural events, student parties, the Gala, etc.).

In addition, the ACM is part of the network of local student representation (Z’élus associatifs) and national student representation (ANEMF—National Association of Medical Students of France), which advocates for students’ interests before administrative and government bodies.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year?

The activities we carry out are very diverse and encompass all the opportunities that may arise during our studies. First, we are setting up a direct sales service for course handouts to help students learn more effectively. 

We participate in national and international exchanges, which we organize through the ANEMF network in the form of various exchange programs. 

For several years now, we have also built strong relationships with local businesses throughout Montpellier that offer us “great deals.” We are also in the process of expanding our scope of action to participate more actively in community solidarity and sustainable development in our beautiful city of Montpellier. From simple student parties to global health charity events like the Telethon, Movember, Pink October, and Sidaction, as well as the Medicine Gala—and with a Culture division active every day offering organic food baskets, “ciné’kult” film screenings, and great deals for students in Montpellier—the ACM aims to support medical students throughout their studies.

Why did you personally choose to study medicine, and what does the association offer students in this program?

Personally, I’ve always been drawn to medical concepts, so it was only natural that I chose this field. It’s only when you choose to study medicine that you realize just how much work still lies ahead. But it’s by volunteering your time with an organization that you truly realize the sheer magnitude of the work you can and must do. Having briefly described our activities above, I believe that the Corpo Médecine is an institution that, for several generations now, has been an integral part of the daily lives of medical students and helps keep our traditions alive. 

Why do you think people should join your organization? 

By joining our association, you’ll be able to discover all our great deals in Montpellier, participate in all our events, gain access to the services we offer (sales of handouts, supplies, books, etc.), and much more!

How do I sign up? 

Joining is easy—just stop by our office at the Arnaud de Villeneuve campus, located at 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34090 Montpellier. The membership fee is €10, payable annually. 

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

The election of the Corpo Médecine executive board takes place at the end of each academic year and is conducted by second-year students. They select individuals from among their class to form the Corpo executive board for the following year. You can find out more about the new executive board members on our website.

We're also on social media—you can find us at: 

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#OrganizationOfTheWeek – A Look at Med’ley

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Last week, we sat down with the Carabins Crocodiles Association to learn more about community life in Nîmes. Today, Gaël Gomez, president of the Montpellier music association, is taking part in a Q&A session!

In a nutshell, what is Med’Ley?

Med’ley Montpellier Association is the music association based at the School of Medicine. Since last year, it has been open to all students in health-related programs (medicine, midwifery, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, etc.). Above all, our goal is to bring music into these long and challenging courses of study. It also allows all these future healthcare professionals to interact with one another during our various events. It’s not just a club for musicians, but rather an opportunity for students to meet and connect in a musical setting.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year?

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The Med’ley association organizes a wide variety of events. First of all, we are fortunate to be able to bring joy to children in the hospital by performing in the pediatric wards at the Arnaud de Villeneuve and Gui de Chauliac University Hospitals. 

In addition to our humanitarian efforts, we organize concerts at well-known bars in Montpellier, as well as Blind Test and karaoke nights—all with the goal of bringing everyone together through music. 

In addition, for the past two years, our singing competition, the Med’ley Music Awards, has brought together singers from all academic disciplines at the University of Montpellier and other cities such as Toulouse and Nîmes. Held in the anatomy lecture hall, this competition draws more than 200 people each year, with a new feature introduced this year: our grand prize winner qualifies directly for the finals of the Coupe de France d’Interprétation. The winner also receives a studio recording session with our partner. 

In addition, at the end of the academic year, we usually organize a large outdoor concert in the Jardin des Plantes, featuring food and drink stands; however, due to the current crisis, it could not take place.

Med’ley also allows musicians to perform at many other events, such as the Medicine Gala, the ACM’s Open Stages, and Heritage Days, among others.

Finally, throughout the year, we organize tutorials in our music room to help members learn an instrument, as well as jam sessions to bring musicians together. 

What does the association offer students?

The club gives health care students the chance to come together through music, regardless of their major, and take their minds off things. It allows people to connect and socialize in a much more fun setting—through music. 

In addition, through our work in pediatrics, these future healthcare professionals can come to view the hospital differently—from a more entertaining perspective. 

Why do you think people should join your organization? 

First of all, our members have free access to our music room in the historic building, where they can practice, rehearse, or use the instruments we provide. 

They also have the opportunity to play at the CHU and perform at all the various events we’re involved in. But they can also simply come by to take advantage of our many special rates and have a good time enjoying the music. 

Members who want to learn to play an instrument or get back into it can participate in our Med’ley Tutorials. 

Finally, they'll be able to take advantage of discounts and special offers from our various partners. 

How do I sign up? 

Membership, which costs €5 for second-year students (DFGSM2, DFGSA2, etc.), €3 for PACES students and third-year students, and is free for students in higher years, can be purchased at any time of the year. 

You can join during our office hours at the various colleges, before or during our events, or by contacting us through our social media channels.

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

The 2020–2021 executive board has already been selected and will take office after the General Assembly for the handover of duties, which will take place in early June. This motivated, promising board, brimming with new ideas, is sure to satisfy our future members, especially since it brings together four health-related fields… 

In the meantime, you can follow us on social media right now:

Facebook: @MedleyMontpellierAssociation 

Instagram: @medley.asso

 

 

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#ClubOfTheWeek – A Look at the Carabins Crocodiles Club

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Following our meeting with AMESF, this week we’re joining the 2019–2020 executive board of the Corporation Carabins Crocodiles (CCC) association. President Célia Pourtier and the other members tell us more about the Nîmes-based association.

In a nutshell, what is the CCC?

The Carabins Crocodiles Corporation is a nonprofit organization governed by the law of July 1, 1901, and the decree of August 16, 1901. Run by second- and third-year medical students, it plays many roles in student life at the Nîmes Faculty of Medicine: for example, publishing and selling handouts for students at the Nîmes campus of the Faculty of Medicine. We also occasionally organize student events, whether they are social, charitable, cultural, athletic, or recreational.

The association allows us both to represent our members before the administrative bodies of the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine and the University of Montpellier—in collaboration with student representatives—and to integrate and support local SCOPE/SCORE leaders.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

Throughout the year, the association organizes public health events to raise awareness among students at the Faculty and raise funds for various organizations: 

  • Movember to raise awareness about prostate cancer screening during the month of November. 
  • The Telethon, the CCC is running a booth in the lobby of the Nîmes University Hospital and raising funds for the foundation. 
  • Sexual Health Education and Rose Sales on Valentine's Day, to raise awareness about various STIs and methods of contraception. 
  • The Teddy Bear Hospital to help young children become familiar with the hospital environment. 
  • The Blind Dining Experience at Vatel with the French Federation of the Blind and Visually Impaired(FAAF) 
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We support first-year PACES students by publishing and selling study guides, in consultation with university professors. We also support them throughout the year by organizing meals for them at the Carémeau campus, as well as by providing support after they take the first-semester exam. 

We organize many student social events, such as the annual gala in November and the PACES post-exam party in December. 

This year, we also organized the D4 mock exam in coordination with Lucas Dafontis and the ACM at the Montpellier campus.

Why did you personally choose to study medicine, and what does the association offer students in this program?

“On a personal level, I felt called to practice medicine while I was preparing for my PACES exam; I was 18 years old. It became crystal clear to me then that I wanted to help those who are suffering and vulnerable, and to preserve life in all its beauty. Medicine is a fascinating field; the studies are challenging, but I had never seen such a supportive, almost family-like spirit among those who would become my future colleagues.” CéliaP. 

“With a strong interest in the sciences and a desire to help others—though I wasn’t yet sure how—after graduating from high school, I first enrolled in a biology program at a university technology institute (IUT). After earning my degree, I took the PACES exam with the goal of pursuing pharmacy, which is what I ended up doing. Then, in my fourth year, with a growing desire to work directly with patients in a hospital setting and to make decisions about their care, I finally realized that medicine was the perfect fit for me. After a long personal and professional journey—and one bridge program later—here I am pursuing what I consider to be the most wonderful course of study. It’s long and difficult, but so engaging, satisfying, and enriching. And on top of that, there’s a great sense of camaraderie and some wonderful friendships.” LaureM. 

As for the association, it offers student members the opportunity to grow through teamwork, develop new projects, and find fulfillment through their personal involvement. It also provides members with a setting outside the hospital where they can meet, share ideas, and socialize.

Why do you think people should join your organization? 

Joining our association offers several benefits. First, students in PACES, DFGSM2, and DFGSM3 can purchase the lecture notes and handouts we offer to supplement their studying. Members also have the opportunity to participate in any of our student gatherings and to purchase the various merchandise and goodies we offer, such as the Faculty sweatshirt.

Finally, membership allows every student to have a voice at General Assemblies.

How do I sign up?

Joining is very simple: just fill out a membership form with your name, address, email, and phone number, and pay ten euros. 

You will then receive your membership card, which will allow you to purchase the courses you need at the student union office on the Nîmes Faculty campus. 

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

Only one slate of candidates ran for the succession of the Executive Board of the Carabins Crocodiles association; it was presented and unanimously approved by the members present at the general meeting held to accept the resignation of the 2019–2020 Executive Board. Thus, following the resignation of our Executive Board, the association’s new representatives are: 

President: Alexandre CARRAT 

Treasurer: Arthur POMMIER 

Executive Vice President: Léhéna CACHIA 

Secretary: Ambrine BOUZIT 

Due to social distancing guidelines and in light of current public health measures—with the faculty closed until further notice—this general assembly was held via videoconference on Zoom. More than 40 people attended the meeting. 

Finally, you can follow us on Facebook right now: @CCC.Corpo 

Contact us on Facebook via the account: Charles Claude Croco 

And follow us on Instagram: @CharlesClaudeCroco

 

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#OrganizationOfTheWeek – A Look at AMESF

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This week, we’re talking with Justine Rizzo, president of the Montpellier Midwifery Students’ Association (AMESF). Goals, initiatives, and dedication—find out everything you need to know about this association in this interview!

In a nutshell, what is AMESF?

AMESF is the student association for the midwifery program in Montpellier. Our goals are to represent midwifery students, provide services and recreational activities for our members, and organize solidarity and humanitarian initiatives. To this end, we are part of several networks of student organizations. First, at the local level with AGEM, the General Association of Montpellier Students, and also at the national level with ANESF, the National Association of Midwifery Students.

 

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year? 

Several projects mark the course of our year, some for entertainment—such as the End-of-Year Gala or the Concert en rose—while others, like the latter, are charity events benefiting the Naître en Rose association.

Throughout the year, we also organize several charity events where our members can volunteer to help us staff booths. During “Pink October,” we raise awareness about breast cancer and collect donations for the organization “Cancer du sein, Parlons en !” We also participate in the Telethon and Sidaction. 

This year, a new project was launched for the first time: the “Endometriosis” project. It is particularly close to our hearts because this disease is not well known, yet it affects about 10% of women.  We visited several faculties in Montpellier to meet with many students and faculty members who aren’t necessarily in the health field (the Faculty of Sciences, Paul Valéry University, and the Faculty of Sports Science and Physical Education). We were able to raise awareness about this condition through flyers, quizzes and games, and an informational display. We wrapped up the week by organizing a “film screening and discussion” event at the Faculty of Medicine on this topic. Following a short film, a discussion took place between various healthcare professionals (a midwife and a gynecologist) and the audience. We were thus able to raise awareness about this condition and also raise significant funds for research through the “EndoFrance” association.

Finally, we also partner with the Etablissement Français du Sang; every month, we raise awareness about donating blood, plasma, and bone marrow, and announce the various collection sites through our publications.

Why did you personally choose the midwifery program? In your opinion, what does the association offer students in this program?

What I love about being a midwife is being able to work in healthcare, to help families during a special time in their lives—such as the birth of a child—and to guide, support, and advise women throughout their lives. Being a midwife means having a wide range of skills and knowledge in gynecology, pediatrics, and obstetrics. This profession requires knowing women’s physiology inside and out and being able to detect even the slightest problem.

For its part, the association provides students in this program with support, activities, and an opportunity to explore various issues. It also allows them to participate in various community service and humanitarian projects, as mentioned earlier. The association offers support to both new students and upperclassmen in this program.

Why do you think people should join your organization? 

Membership offers many benefits, which we have divided into several categories. 

The Education Division
The Entertainment Division
The Student Services Center
The Partnership Division
The Representation Division
The Solidarity Division
It allows us to set up a system for sharing notes and printing out course materials in paper format. We also place group orders for books and supplies for the workshops.  It allows members to participate in the events we organize and to enjoy special rates at certain restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Montpellier. It’s also an opportunity to foster a sense of community through our events, such as the end-of-year gala. It provides access to “SOS Nounou,” a system that connects midwifery students with parents looking for babysitters. We also offer the option to order vegetable baskets at affordable prices. It allows our members to get discounted prices from our association's partners It allows students to stay informed about the various discussions and training sessions organized by AGEM and ANESF and to participate in them. It entitles members to participate in all the activities we carry out, such as those mentioned above.

How do I sign up?

By paying the €10 membership fee at the AMESF office on the Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus, located at 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, Montpellier 34090. 

Starting this year, any student—regardless of their major—can join our association. While they don’t have access to all the same benefits as midwifery students, they’re welcome to attend our social events, share their ideas, or get involved in our various projects, for example!

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

We have complete confidence in the next generation; there are some wonderful things in store, and we can't wait for them to bring all their projects to life! 

In the meantime, you can find us on all our social media platforms!

Facebook: AMESF – Montpellier Association of Midwifery Students in Montpellier

Instagram: amesf_sfmtp

Snapchat: amesf_sfmtp

Twitter: AMESF_SFMTP

 

 

 

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Sports: Health Benefits

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Physical activity is not just a way to lose weight. Exercise offers significant benefits from a medical, societal, and economic perspective. It actually helps boost the immune system and promotes overall well-being: walking, running, or gardening activates metabolic processes—in other words, biological reactions—that take place within our bodies.

The benefits of exercise can be seen not only in one's physical appearance but also in one's mental health:

Physical Health

Combating Obesity and Diabetes-Related Diseases

Strictly speaking, exercise does not prevent obesity or being overweight. However, physical activity is often recommended as a supplement to appropriate treatment to help patients achieve their goals.

In general, exercise helps regulate weight with the goal of achieving a more toned physique. Muscles can produce certain hormones, called myokines, that have metabolic effects on various organs at a distance. As Cédric Moro (research director at Inserm’s Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases in Toulouse) explains, “In an obese patient, muscle tissue contains some fat. Exercise burns this fat, and insulin then becomes more effective at supplying the muscle with glucose. This, in particular, helps prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.” 

The positive effects of exercise on weight issues or diabetes are only beneficial if exercise is done correctly. There are guidelines that must be followed to ensure effectiveness with minimal side effects. 

Cardiovascular Diseases

When it comes to cardiovascular disease, the risk factors are well known: smoking, stress, high blood pressure… Regular physical activity improves and regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system, leading to a reduction in cardiovascular risks:

  • Potential 50% reduction in high blood pressure
  • Increase in "good" cholesterol levels
  • Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels

We also know that below a certain VO2 max threshold—the maximum amount of oxygen the body consumes during intense exercise—a patient with heart failure must undergo a transplant. Thibaut Guiraud, a physiology researcher at I2MC, explains that “With exercise, you improve your physical capacity and can move out of the ‘red zone,’ which is above 5 METs (equivalent to the ability to walk at 4–5 km/h for a few minutes).”

Thus, regular physical activity helps the heart become stronger and can therefore prevent or slow the onset of cardiovascular problems.

 

Cancer

It's no secret anymore: physical activity can help with the recovery from certain cancers.

Cancer is the leading cause of death, ahead of cardiovascular disease: the number of cases has doubled over the past 30 years.

Exercising during treatment helps the body counteract certain negative effects of treatment, such as fatigue. Provided, of course, that the exercise is moderate and tailored to the specific treatment. Béatrice Fervers, an oncologist at the Léon-Bérard Center, explains that “The sooner a patient begins physical activity after diagnosis, the better they are able to counteract side effects.”

In fact, physical activity alters body composition (reducing visceral fat and maintaining or even increasing muscle mass) as well as muscle strength. The possible effects of regular physical activity on the mechanisms involved in tumor proliferation can be explained: the best-documented effects relate to breast cancer and involve blood sugar regulation, increased insulin sensitivity, an anti-inflammatory effect, and hormonal regulation.

According to researchers at ISERM, physical activity may help reduce the risk of recurrence in breast and colon cancers.

Mental Health

As we saw in the article on meditation, physical activity contributes to better mental health.

Exercise doesn't just help people with illnesses. It also promotes the well-being of those who engage in it, reducing psychological risks.

Stress Relief

Physical activity can help reduce stress. In fact, exercise triggers the body to produce hormones called endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. As a result, anxiety levels are reduced after physical activity. 

Dr. Martine Duclos, an endocrinologist and head of the Sports Medicine Department at the Gabriel-Montpied and Estaing University Hospitals (Clermont-Ferrand), explains that exercise can help reduce the need for anti-anxiety medications; for example, “in people who are anxious or stressed, regular physical activity provides the same benefits as anti-anxiety medications, without the side effects or risk of dependence; it also has an effect similar to that of antidepressants in people suffering from mild to moderate depression.” Exercise also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters involved in depression when they are deficient, with serotonin being the primary one.

Beyond its calming effect, exercise also allows us to take a break from our daily lives and forget the little worries that usually occupy our minds while we’re working out.

Sleep Quality

It's just a short step from reducing stress to improving sleep. 

Dr. Duclos states that “exercise will have two positive effects: you’ll have less trouble falling asleep, and athletes will wake up less often in the middle of the night.”

This is due, in particular, to the regulation of blood pressure and the release of endorphins, which help us relax more effectively. As a result, exercise reduces stress, leading to physical fatigue rather than mental fatigue.

In addition, participating in sports requires people to organize themselves better and, as a result, regulate their biological rhythm (also known as the circadian rhythm). This also involves eating a healthier diet to improve performance. All of these factors play an important role in sleep quality.

However, it’s important not to exercise too late in the day “because otherwise it will push back your bedtime,” Martine Duclos points out.

The Brain and Depression

Finally, exercise causes the brain to release dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the reward system.

Memory, cognition, mood: Physical exercise enhances mental performance and health.

Lisa Weinberg’s team at the Georgia Institute of Technology (United States) conducted a study with students: memorizing 90 photos. The first group was asked to perform a leg-strengthening exercise while the other group remained seated. Two days later, the students were asked to identify as many images as possible from a set of 180: the group that exercised was able to identify 60%, 10% more than the control group.

Researcher Martine Duclos observed a “positive correlation between their physical fitness and the type of high school they attended (general, vocational, agricultural).” According to Dr. Duclos, this can be explained by the fact that “muscle activity triggers the production of myokines, proteins that, through a complex mechanism, prompt the brain to produce growth factors, neurotrophins, and more specifically BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). It promotes the formation of microvessels (angiogenesis) and the production of new neurons (neurogenesis).”

Sports at the University – ASMM Association (AS Médecine Montpellier)

This sports club consists of 3–4 members who support medical students who wish to engage in regular physical activity. With the goal of promoting sports, it provides them with sports fields and equipment and organizes intercollegiate competitions.

Our projects:

  • Formation of a women's volleyball team;
  • Formation of a rugby team made up of medical and dental students;
  • Formation of a basketball team made up of medical, pharmacy, and dental students;
  • Organization of futsal, tennis, pétanque, and beach volleyball tournaments.

Office:

President: Mustapha MOUSTAFAOUI
Secretary: Maxime FOULQUIER
Treasurer: Youssef TRIGUI

 

 

Contact:


Institute of Biology 4 Boulevard Henri IV
34965 Montpellier Cedex 2

Instagram

 

Sources: 
https://lejournal.cnrs.fr/articles/le-sport-est-bon-pour-la-sante-cest-prouve
https://www.naturaforce.com/blog/2017/06/03/bienfaits-du-sport-sur-la-sante/
https://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/bouger-ameliorer-le-cerveau_29226

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Meditation & Health: 3 Benefits of Meditation for the Body

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Stress and anxiety affect our cardiovascular system, which in turn leads to increased stress and anxiety. It’s a vicious cycle! However, non-pharmacological solutions do exist and are accessible to many people. Among them is meditation.

Meditation is known to have several positive effects on health.

Stimulates the brain

One of the unique aspects of mindfulness meditation is that it helps improve memory by enhancing attention. This involves thinking of the mind as a muscle. Just like any other muscle, to strengthen it, you need to train it daily through mindfulness meditation.

The latter helps keep your attention focused on a specific idea and prevents your mind from wandering too much.

Did you know?

Mindfulness meditation, or mindfulness, involves focusing on one’s sensations, breathing, emotions, and thoughts without making value judgments. It was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts. 

American studies led by neuroscientist Sara Lazar of Harvard Medical School have shown that meditation may increase gray matter in the areas of the brain associated with learning, memory, and emotional control.

This study also showed that meditation can be highly beneficial for people with attention disorders: it reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity, thereby improving attention.

Antidepressant 

Among the other benefits of meditation, research has shown that it helps reduce stress and anxiety, and thus lowers the risk of depression. How does it work? You focus on your breathing by simply becoming aware of each inhalation and exhalation. These techniques are easily accessible to everyone, even children.

Did you know?

Professor Tu-Anh Tran, a faculty member at the School, has posted four guided meditations* on her YouTube channel so that children and their families can practice them throughout the day to find inner peace and focus on their work.

Episode 1:

Watch the video

Episode 2:

Watch the video
 

Episode 3:

Watch the video
  

Episode 4:

Watch the video
  

 

This method increases respiratory movement, allowing for better oxygen diffusion throughout the body—and particularly in the brain. Finally, mindfulness meditation improves the functioning of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating emotions. It enhances intuition and creativity while reducing negative emotions such as stress, fear, and anger.

“Meditation balances the levels of activity in the two hemispheres of the brain. This balance fosters harmony between the body and the mind. Meditation is a valuable resource in an era that is generating more and more psychosomatic imbalances” – Marc de Smedt, French publisher, writer, and journalist, specializing in meditation techniques and world wisdom.

Immune Booster

Finally, meditation is also valued for its benefits as an “immunity booster.” 

In fact, mindfulness meditation affects pro-inflammatory genes, allowing the body to recover more easily after a stressful or anxious situation. 

The rest it provides is considered more effective and deeper than that achieved during sleep. The body produces fewer waste products thanks to increased oxygenation of the lungs, which in turn affects the hormonal, vascular, and muscular systems. This, in turn, leads to a boost in immunity and a regulation of pain sensitivity.

Did you know?

The Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine offers a University Diploma (DU) in Meditation and Health. 
Course Objectives: To understand the principles and benefits of meditation and learn how to apply it to improve the health of healthcare providers and patients.
Skills acquired

  • Identifying What Meditation Is—and Isn't
  • Understand the physiological mechanisms of meditation and their health benefits; identify possible applications of meditation in healthcare settings
  • Continue or strengthen your own regular practice
  • Implement a project that integrates meditation into your healthcare setting (for your patients or colleagues)

Studies using the“Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction”(MBSR) protocol have shown positive effects on the reduction of pro-inflammatory genes, the immune response to the flu vaccine, immune signaling in people with cancer, and immune cell activity in patients with HIV.

Key Takeaways

During this unprecedented health crisis, it is important to find new ways to protect ourselves from the stress and anxiety caused by lockdown. Practicing meditation in a group—even remotely—can help break the feeling of social isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

Meditation

  • Promotes concentration and improves memory
  • Helps manage stress and anxiety
  • May help the immune system develop

 

*These meditations are excerpted from her book *Méditasoins: Short Meditations for Children’s Major Ailments*, published by Thierry Souccar.
*Journal of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (2010) 20, 11–15 – Impact of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ( MBSR) therapeutic approach on mental health (stress, anxiety, depression) among students – C.Berghmans∗, C. Tarquinio, M. Kretsch

 

The Healthcare Professional:

We would like to thank Professor Tran for his assistance in writing this article.

Tu-Anh Tran

Tu-Anh Tran

Professor, Chief of the Pediatrics Department at Nîmes University Hospital

Professor Tu-Anh TRAN is a pediatrician specializing in inflammatory and rheumatic diseases in children, and head of the pediatrics department at the Nîmes University Hospital. A meditation practitioner himself, he spearheaded the creation of one of France’s first university-level meditation programs, “Meditation and Health,” at the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine. Professor Tran has been using meditation to treat his young patients for over 10 years.

 

 

 

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Books: Online Resources for Learning, Studying, or Entertainment

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The current situation is leading us (or bringing us back) to new activities, and reading is one of them. During this period of lockdown, many e-books have been made available for free online. Whether you’re an avid reader or someone looking to explore new areas of knowledge, there’s something for everyone.

 

Here is a list of several themes and platforms that might help you find what you're looking for:

 

Montpellier Interuniversity Library

A go-to resource for students at the University of Montpellier, the Montpellier Interuniversity Library (BIU) gives students at the University of Montpellier access to all the materials available on the platform.

So, you'll find the following there:

  • Scientific journals
  • Books
  • E-books
  • Theses and dissertations

There's something for everyone—whether you're looking to broaden your horizons, study, or work on your thesis. 

Access the BIU

 

Gallica BNF

The National Library of France also offers a wide selection of free books to everyone—but that's not all! Check out:

  • Read: ePubs
  • Don't miss: the lectures
  • Check out: our curated selections of treasures
  • For students: resources
  • For kids: activities, coloring pages, stories

Go to Gallica

 

Online Reading – Medicine

In addition to the resources mentioned above, some websites offer PDFs and e-books related to your field of study. One such site is “Livres pour tous,” which has a section Medicine and Health section with documents that are free and accessible to everyone.

The same is true of the “Univers médecine” website, which offers books on medicine tailored to different skill levels.

World of Medicine

Books for Everyone

 

Major corporations and publishers

To help the French people get through this health crisis, some major retailers and publishers have made free e-books available. 

With a wide variety of themes, you'll find:

  • Crime Novels
  • Romance
  • Fantasy
  • French Literature

 

A host of authors to delight you: J.K. Rowling, Harlan Coben, Stephen King…

 

FNAC e-books

Amazon e-books

Northern Ferret

Wikisource and Project Gutenberg

On these two websites, you’ll find thousands of books and articles available for free! With such a wide variety of topics, there’s something for everyone.

Wikisource Gutenberg

And if, after checking all these links, you still haven't found the book you're looking for, here's a link to this online book database!  

Online Book Repository

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Remote Work and Distance Learning: Best Practices for a Better Internet Connection

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The lockdown is forcing universities and their faculties to adapt. Classes are now held online, and exams will soon be as well. While we are currently conducting several stress tests to ensure that all our students have optimal conditions for taking their exams, you will find below some tips for improving the quality of your internet connection, as well as a reminder of the procedure to follow for your future online exams.

Testing Your Internet Speed and Interpreting the Results

To enable students to take their exams online and allow staff to work under the best possible conditions, the DSIN is providing a tool that lets you measure the quality of the connection between your home and the university: https://testdebit.umontpellier.fr/

Data Receipt (Download)

After completing this test, the results will appear, and you can interpret them using this short guide:

  • A speed between D and F is considered slow (low throughput);
  • A C-class speed between 3 and 7 Mb/s is classified as “medium speed”; it is at these speeds that remote work can begin to be carried out under good conditions.
  • A speed of 8 Mb/s or higher is considered the threshold for a "broadband" connection.
  • Connections faster than 30 Mb/s are classified as “ultra-high-speed.”

Sending Data (Upload)

This value represents the speed at which data is transmitted from your computer to the Internet; it is often referred to as “upload speed” or “Upload.”

An average data rate of 1.2 Mb/s is sufficient to transmit data from your computer.

Response time (ping) 

This value represents the time it takes for a round trip between your computer and the server hosting the files used to measure the data download speed; it is often referred to as “latency.”

A value within the green range is required to ensure high-quality (uninterrupted) video conferences.

Improving Your Wi-Fi Connection

If the connection is not optimal (between D and F), you must:

  • Use a wired connection whenever possible : The connection will be more stable, and devices connected via Wi-Fi will have better speeds.
  • Positioning Your Set-Top Box Correctly : Avoid placing it under the TV or in a closed cabinet. Ideally, set it up about 1.50m above the floor in an open area. Never place anything on top of it, and plug it in directly (do not use a telephone extension cord or a power strip).
  • Stop programs that are currently running: To get the most out of your bandwidth, be sure to turn off Wi-Fi on devices you’re not using (phones, smart devices).
  • Disable automatic Wi-Fi scanning : By default, Windows constantly scans for nearby wireless networks. This feature, which is unnecessary if you always connect to your own network, consumes bandwidth.
  • Check to make sure you don't have a virus: Whether by displaying ads or secretly using the computer's resources, some malware unnecessarily consumes bandwidth.

 

If, after checking all these steps, your connection is still weak, please contact your registrar’s office so they can help you access the exams under the best possible conditions. Please also feel free to report any problems you encounter during the exams.

Taking exams

With an optimal internet connection, students can take their exams.

To do this, students must log in the same way they do for tablet-based exams in lecture halls: log in from your device via SIDES + ENT authentication + enter the exam code.

The box codes will be sent by email before the event.

On the day of the test, we encourage students to, if possible, put themselves in an exam-like situation:

  • Start the connection at least 15 minutes before the times listed (to allow for any unforeseen circumstances)
  • Staying alone in a room
  • Bring only the materials needed for the exam (pen, blank scratch paper, etc.)
  • Do not attempt to connect to any applications other than the one required for the exam. This could disrupt the connection and interfere with your ability to write the exam.

Once the test begins, it's up to you! 

We wish you the best of luck on your exams!

Bonus

In this article, you'll also find our tips for studying remotely!

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