Move better, live better thanks to the Sport and Health programme! Led by the SSE (University Health Service for students) and the SUAPS (University Sport Service for students), this programme initially focused on young people suffering from overweight and obesity. To answer the increasing need to support students affected by chronic illnesses, mental illnesses and physical disorders, the programme is now available to a wider range of people. Sign up, there are slots left!

A customised and supervised process 

Accessing these adapted physical activities (APA) requires a medical prescription delivered by the doctors of the SSE: Doctor Sandrine Chigouesnel and Doctor Caroline Picque. After a dedicated consultation, students meet with Véronique Vézien, the SUAP’s APA coordinator to finalise their registration. This process guarantees a secured and adapted care. Every week, two slots reserved for students with an APA prescription are available. Various pathologies are taken care of: metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatological diseases, psychiatric diseases… The university works with health professionals and APA teachers to ensure a rigorous monitoring of students. Sessions are adapted to each student’s abilities, to their medical needs and their pathology’s evolution.

Varied activities and positive feedback

Activities include different exercises allowing to work on endurance, muscle strength, flexibility and balance. The Sport and Health Programme also offers inclusive slots (not APA dedicated but with a watchful and trained teacher) with activities such as yoga, swimming or light strength training. Such inclusion allows to diversify the offer and answer better the specific needs of each student. “Feedback are positive,” highlight the SSE doctors, “Students claim they improved their self-esteem, lost weight and overall improved their physical condition. Some come back every year, showing the positive impact of the programme on their well-being.” Not only does this programme have physical and psychological benefits, it also strengthens social connection and reduces the isolation felt by students affected by chronic illnesses.

The Health and Sport Programme offers a specific support to students suffering from chronic pathologies provided medical prescription. This programme has a long-lasting impact on the health and well-being policy of the University of Caen Normandie, being a true opportunity to improve student daily life.