Free Check-ups HUNTING SEASON

Anewprograminitiatedby AssuranceMaladiewilloffer free health check-ups to individuals aged 45-50 in France, starting October 1 this year. Within this age bracket, the health checkups will focus on assessing the overall well-being of individuals and detecting andmitigatingpotentialrisk factors or diseases. The emphasis will be on essential screenings for breast,colon,andprostate cancers, alongside evaluating physical activity levels and potential mental health concerns. The initiativeissettoexpandto other age categories in 2024. Starting from the 1st of next month, individuals aged 45-50 will receive notifications regarding the option to schedule appointments.Alternatively, you can reach out to your local health authority (CPAM) for booking. Priority will be granted to vulnerable or high-risk individuals when setting appointments. You will be requested to complete a preliminary questionnaire, whichwillbecheckedbya doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or midwife. The questionnaire will cover topics such as dietary habits, physical activity, potentialaddictions,mental well-being, and personal surroundings. Payment for appointments will be managed by Assurance Maladie, eliminating the need for upfront payment fromthepatient.

The hunting season begins on Sunday 10 September this year, and ends on the last day of February 2024. The dates are set by the prefecture, with strict rules in place. Anyone who has lived in France long enough will know this can make an impact on your life (especially at weekends), so please wear bright and colourful clothing when you are out and about in the countryside. (Our rule of thumb is if we hear the chasse nearby, we head indoors.) You can find the dates for each department in France on the Chasseur de France website: www.chasseurdefrance.com/pratiquer/datesde-chasse