Prevention

Prevention of party-related risks

The start of the academic year, new friends, orientation weekends... For many students, going back to university means parties and celebrations, and that's perfectly normal!

However, certain behaviours can sometimes put a damper on the festivities or even jeopardise your studies: excessive alcohol or drug use, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unprotected sex, excessively loud music, gender-based and sexual violence, and more. To help you enjoy safer nights out, the Student Health Service (SSE) provides event organisers with a prevention tool: PREVENT’BOX, the Party Safety and Harm Reduction Kit.

Available at SSE Health Centres (from the end of September), the PREVENT’BOX can be borrowed by student associations and Student Unions (BDE). The kit contains drink covers designed to reduce the risk of drink spiking, condoms, breathalysers, alcohol measuring cups, earplugs, information sheets and various prevention resources.

Please note: To borrow a PREVENT’BOX, you must first complete the Party Safety and Risk Prevention training offered by the Student Health Service.

For more information, visit the programme page: https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/preventbox-valise-de-prevention-et-reduction-des-risques-en-milieu-festif

Resources and Tools:

• Charte des associations
• Organiser une soirée étudiante, un WEI
• Guide MonteTaSoirée
• Cellule HarcelementS

Anti-Drink-Spiking Covers Available on Campus

As part of its commitment to health, education and prevention, Université Paris-Saclay funds anti-drink-spiking covers for its students.

These covers are available through Student Unions (BDE) and Student Health Service nursing offices at the following faculties and institutions: Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Sports Sciences (STAPS), Faculty of Sciences, IUT d'Orsay, Faculty of Law, Economics and Management, IUT de Sceaux, Polytech and IUT de Cachan.

Find out more about the initiative here:https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/des-capuchons-anti-drogue-sur-le-campus-de-luniversite-paris-saclay

Alcohol and Road Safety

Did you know ? Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, even at a consumption level of one alcoholic drink per day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is the second leading preventable cause of cancer-related deaths in France, after tobacco. No level of alcohol consumption has been identified as completely risk-free. Even low levels of consumption can increase the risk of developing cancer. The risk becomes significant at an average consumption of 10 grams of alcohol per day, equivalent to one standard drink. Combining alcohol and tobacco further increases the risk of certain cancers, particularly those affecting the mouth and throat.

Alcohol consumption assessment tool
Could your alcohol consumption be putting your health at risk? Assess your alcohol consumption online.

Want to omprove your relationship with alcohol and adopt a healthier lifestyle?

Not sure where to start? Would you like to join a supportive community and take on a new challenge? Take part in DRY JANUARY®
Just one rule to complete the challenge: No alcohol for one month!
Join millions of people working together to change their relationship with alcohol!

Smoking Cessation

In France, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death, cancer-related mortality (including lung, upper aerodigestive tract and bladder cancers) and premature death before the age of 65. Smoking also has significant effects on pregnancy and quality of life. Due to the addictive properties of nicotine, tobacco use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

• Assess your dependence and motivation to quit: Tabac Info Service – Quit Smoking
• Smoking cessation consultations: Online consultations are now available with smoking cessation specialist Fabrice Cheruel.
• Medical hypnotherapy: You can also benefit from a medical hypnotherapy session at the nursing office in Building 336.

To book an appointment, please contact: sse.contact@universite-paris-saclay.fr or +33 (0)6 30 11 98 54

Mental Health resources

The Student Health Service (SHS) provides a list of mental health resources, including emergency numbers, helplines and healthcare facilities, through its Mental Health Resources Directory.

Suicide Prevention

“A Few Words Can Save a Life” (UNPS)

A short film designed to encourage people to seek help and support those experiencing psychological distress or suicidal thoughts. Many suicides can be prevented by talking openly about suicide. Together, we can take action by listening to, welcoming and supporting people struggling with suicidal thoughts or coping with the suicide of a loved one.

New suicide prevention video series

In collaboration with Marion Haza, a clinical psychologist, the Student Health Service (SSE) is launching a new series to raise awareness and provide information about suicide among young people. The series consists of six short episodes, each lasting 1 to 2 minutes, covering the following topics:

1. What are suicidal thoughts?
2. Recognising the warning signs
3. Who can you talk to?
4. Being a young adult today: challenges and resources
5. Being a student today: challenges and resources
6. Supporting others: how can you help someone close to you?

Harassment support and reporting service

• If you experience difficulties, you can contact the University's dedicated listening and support service: harcelements@universite-paris-saclay.fr.
• Have you experienced or witnessed harassment or discrimination within the University, or do you know someone who has? You can submit a confidential report using the University's dedicated reporting form.

Social workers

• Book an appointment online: https://mesrdv.etudiant.gouv.fr/fr
• Administrative office: +33 (0)1 69 15 70 64

Other useful contacts and resources

• 3114: French National Suicide Prevention Helpline
• 3919: National Helpline for Women Experiencing Violence
• In an immediate emergency, call 15 (SAMU – Emergency Medical Services) or 112 (European Emergency Number).

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as: “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” From a philosophical perspective, well-being can be described as a state of balance between different factors that, together, allow us to live in harmony with ourselves and others. It also involves meeting the body's needs while maintaining peace of mind.

Well-being and Nutrition

Maintaining good physical and mental health requires a balanced and varied diet. As a general rule, it is recommended to avoid consuming too much fat, sugar or salt!

Discover the recommendations of the French National Nutrition and Health Programme here.

3 Common Myths About Well-being, by Dr Alexandra DALU

1. Sugary and diet drinks are harmless to your health. FALSE. They may be associated with an increased risk of depression. According to research presented by the National Institutes of Health (2013), people who drink at least four glasses or cans of soda per day have a 30% higher risk of depression than those who do not consume them.
2. The intestine is simply a tube used for digestion. FALSE. A healthy gut plays an important role in mood regulation. More than 80% of the body's serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, stress and anxiety, is produced in the gut.
3. Sleeping less helps you lose weight. FALSE. Good-quality sleep plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight. People who sleep too little or experience poor-quality sleep tend to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI), which measures weight in relation to height. Sleep deprivation affects several metabolic processes, including hormones involved in weight regulation. (Sleep and Nutrition Study, French National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance, 2018).

Well-being and Physical Activity

For your health, it is recommended to engage in at least 30 minutes of brisk walking every day.

• Get moving with the Université Paris-Saclay Sports Department (SUAPS)! Special relaxation exercises
• Exercise at home: Online cardio and strength-training workouts
• Practise yoga at home: Online yoga sessions

Do you have questions about vaccines and vaccination? Are you wondering which vaccines are mandatory in France? Are you a healthcare student looking to find out which vaccinations are required for your studies? Are you planning to study abroad, undertake an internship or travel internationally?

The Student Health Service (SHS) invites you to ask all your questions to Dr Benjamin Wyplosz, Head of the International Vaccination Centre at Bicêtre University Hospital (AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay), who will answer them in a series of videos.

Episode 1: Vaccines & Vaccination in France

Episode 2: Student Exchanges & Travel

Episode 3: Healthcare Students