EUnitas Echo Edition 2

Good to see you again!

By Anna Gudimova

We are excited to welcome you back with the second edition of the EUnitas Newsletter! 🥳

 As we dive into a fresh part of the semester, the Community & Networking Committee is proud to present this month's issue, bringing you another round of updates, insights, and engaging content.

This edition, hosted by us - the Community & Networking Committee, is all about strengthening the bonds within our EPH family and beyond. 

Who are the friendly faces behind the scenes? 

• Chair of the committee & Vice-president of EUnitas: Stella Rurema 

• Members of the committee: Seb Gerretsen, Anna Gudimova, Aminata Cisse, Lexie McConnell, Devanshi Chawla, Michael Naftel, and Nicholas Biernath.  

Our goal is to foster a vibrant and supportive community, making sure that every member feels connected, informed, and motivated. Whether you’re looking to catch up on what’s happening around Maastricht, learn new study tips, or simply have fun with this month’s puzzles, we’ve got you covered!

As we work alongside other committees to bring this content to life, we also encourage you to get involved—your ideas, energy, and creativity make EUnitas what it is!

So, here’s to another month of growth, collaboration, and community spirit. Let’s make it a great one! 🥂

EUpdates

By Seb Gerretsen

WWIII: Safety in a Time of Turbulence

White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 - Readiness 2030

On the 19th of March, the European Commission released the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030. The goal of this White Paper is to create a stronger and more resilient defence industrial base. The framework for the ReArm Europe plan, with a once-in-a-generation surge in European defence investment, sets out the necessary steps to rebuild European defence, support Ukraine and address critical capability shortfalls. 

An acute and growing threat.

The only way to ensure peace is to have the readiness to deter those who would do Europe harm. The European Union is being coerced by external actors who are mobilising their resources and using technology more effectively to achieve their objectives. We presently face a threat to our way of life and Europe’s ability to choose its own future through democratic processes. These external actors hold that we are politically unable to summon a meaningful and strategically enduring response. 

The political equilibrium that emerged after WWII and the Cold War has been severely disrupted. Upholding the international rules-based order will remain of utmost importance, both in our interest and as an expression of our values. However, a new international order will be formed in the second half of this decade and beyond. Unless we shape this order – in both our region and beyond – we will be passive recipients of the outcome of this period of interstate competition with all the negative consequences that could flow from this, including the real prospect of full-scale war. History will not forgive us for inaction.

Observations reveal growing long term threats in several states. In the Russian Federation, the continuation of scaling up its war economy, being supported by Belarus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran is of note. If Russia is allowed to achieve its goals in Ukraine, its territorial ambition will extend beyond establishing its fundamental threat to Europe’s security for the foreseeable future. Additionally, Russia is exploiting a network of systemic instability, including through close cooperation with other authoritarian powers. It is persistently fuelling tensions and instability in Europe’s neighbourhood, whether it is in the Western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova or Armenia, and has a growing destabilising influence in Africa.

Further away, the People’s Republic of China, a key trading partner for the EU, is increasing its defense spending, with a lack of transparency around its military build-up. With the second highest military spending in the world, the nation is expanding military capabilities including nuclear, space and cyber capabilities. The intensifications of these military capacities continues to coerce Taiwan, while remaining below the threshold of direct confrontation. Shifts in its relation to Taiwan raises the risk of a major disruption, which would have profound economic and strategic consequences for Europe. Furthermore, China’s actions in the East and South China Seas are destabilising the region, while its growing military projection in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean is raising concerns amongst European partners.

In the Middle East, Iran’s direct link with Russia, its military ambitions, its support to proxy forces, and its role in destabilising the region continue to be a serious concern for European security. The fragile situation in Israel/Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon will have to be closely monitored. Simultaneously, the instability, and growing violence of extremism across continental Africa have direct security and economic implications for Europe.

Readiness 2030

In building up sufficient deterrence capacity to prevent a potential war of aggression, Member States will always retain responsibility for their own troops, from doctrine to deployment, and for the needs of their armed forces. Furthermore, the EU will always act in a way that is without prejudice to the character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and take into consideration the security and defence interests of all Member States. This may manifest in facilitating greater collaboration and efficient scaling for the European defense industry in developing, producing, and marketing weapons systems. Moreover, in line with the single-market economy, lowering costs by avoiding competitive purchasing and improving purchasing power for Member States, while helping to generate stability and predictability with multi-year industrial demand. 

This White Paper will be followed by the Preparedness Union Strategy, which will set out an integrated all-hazards approach to preparedness for conflicts and crises, and the EU Internal Security Strategy, which will provide a comprehensive and unified framework to prevent, detect and respond effectively to security threats.

For questions or if you would like to see a specific subject come back in future EUpdates, please send an e-mail to s.gerretsen@student.maastrichtuniversity.nl

Mental Health

By Aminata Cisse

Gut-Brain: The Puppeteer and the Puppet

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, while a woman’s heart is won with laughter and good conversation. But what if the key to happiness—for everyone—is simply good food?

Before a meal, our bodies undergo several physiological changes in anticipation of food. Saliva, gastric juices, and ghrelin (the hunger hormone) increase. Blood flow to the digestive organs rises, and the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes. What’s less known, however, is what happens on an emotional level.

As we approach eating, an area in the brain called the locus coeruleus starts releasing norepinephrine (adrenaline), making us feel more alert—sometimes even anxious. Evolutionarily, this heightened awareness may have developed as a survival mechanism. Our ancestors needed to be on high alert while searching for food, ensuring they could detect potential dangers in their environment.

The Vagus Nerve: A Chemical Gut Feeling

During eating, the vagus nerve (the 10th cranial nerve) gathers sensory data from the gut—including stomach distension, nutrient content (e.g., sugar, fats), and gut microbiome signals—and transmits this information to the brain. Dr. Andrew D. Huberman, associate professor of neurobiology at Stanford, in one episode of his Huberman Lab Essentials Podcast described this phenomenon as a “chemical gut feeling”. For example, when we eat something sweet—regardless of taste—sensory neurons in the gut detect sugar and send signals via the vagus nerve to the brain, triggering dopamine release. Dopamine, known as the reward hormone, fuels motivation, desire, and cravings for more sugary foods.

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t stop eating just because our stomach is full. Instead, we stop when our brain perceives that we have consumed enough amino acids—the building blocks of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood. Interestingly, while serotonin (the “happy hormone”) plays a major role in mental well-being, 90% of the body's serotonin is actually produced in the gut. This highlights the profound connection between diet, digestion, and emotional health.

At first, it may seem like eating fats and sugars could keep us happy forever. However, here’s where it gets tricky.

Highly processed, sugar-laden foods hijack the brain’s reward system, causing rapid dopamine spikes followed by crashes, leading to cravings and cycles of overeating. Over time, excess sugar consumption reduces dopamine receptor sensitivity, making it harder to feel pleasure from natural rewards like social interactions or exercise. A 2024 study by Lu Zhang et al. found that a 100g/day increase in dietary sugar intake was linked to a 28% higher risk of depression among U.S. adults. This reinforces the growing evidence that what we eat significantly impacts our mental well-being.

Food as Mood Medicine: Practical Tips for Students

For students dealing with stress, anxiety, and mood fluctuations, diet plays a powerful role in mental well-being. Here are simple ways to optimize your food choices for better brain health:

• Eat a Protein-Rich Breakfast → Start your day with eggs, Greek yogurt, or nuts to support dopamine and serotonin levels.

• Limit Processed Foods & Sugar → Reduce energy crashes and mood swings by choosing whole, unprocessed foods.

• Incorporate Omega-3s → Found in salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support brain health.

• Balance Carbs & Proteins → Pair healthy carbs (quinoa, oats, sweet potatoes) with proteins to maintain stable serotonin levels.

• Support Your Gut → Eat fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, kefir) and fiber-rich foods (vegetables, legumes) to promote a healthy microbiome.

By being mindful of what we eat, we can fuel not just our bodies but also our minds, improving focus, mood, and long-term mental health.

 Events

By Lexie McConnell

[DISCLAIMER: events are subject to change - keep up to date through our social media!]

Date (s)	Name	Time and Place	Description
EVERY Tuesday	Stammtisch	8:30pm John Mullins Irish Pub	Tuesday is calling... and that means Stammtisch is back! Join us this week for another round of good company, great conversations, and the perfect midweek break. No pressure, no planning - just show up, settle in, and let the tradition continue. See you there!
Thursday  03.04.25	Chill after exams	5pm  Stadspark  [weather dependent]	Exams done, stress gone! The return of our ‘chill after exams’ promises a chill company and good vibes before the next period.
Tuesday 08.04.25	Bunny Run	7pm Various locations	Introducing a Stammtisch special: ‘The Great Bunny Bar Hunt’. Hop from bar to bar, sipping and searching for the ultimate prize - people dressed as bunnies! Think you can out-hop the competition? Lace up the drinking shoes and let the bunny hunt begin…
Wednesday 09.04.25	Easter egg hunt + crafts	4pm	From egg hunts to creative workshops, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with fellow students, relax, and enjoy some Easter treats!
Wednesday 30.04.25	Bowling	7pm Olround Bowlingcentrum	Whether you're a pro aiming for strikes or just here for the fun (and maybe the bar), this night is all about friendly competition, laughs, and epic victories. Bring your A-game to be crowned king or queen of the lanes!
Thursday 24.04.25	King’s Day pres	9pm  Location TBC	Orange, tunes, and booze - let’s kick off King’s Day the right way! Hype up, drink up, and get ready for the biggest party of the year. See you there!
Thursday  08.05.25	Complex Party	11pm Complex	Get ready for a disco themed night of nonstop beats, flashing lights, and dance floor domination! The DJs are spinning, the drinks are flowing, and the vibe is set … Join EUnitas and Universalis for an unforgettable night.

Course Tips! 

By Devanshi Chawla

Period 5 is just around the corner, meaning the end of the academic year is just as close! You’re almost there!

Welcome to EPH1025 — Health-Technological Innovations and EU Competencies (HTI&EUC)! Whew, quite the mouthful! This is the course that highlights the interdisciplinary nature of European Public Health, where focus is on both the law and also theories and concepts that exist. 💻

This course is about how health technologies—from medical devices to digital healthcare applications —are developed, evaluated, and implemented within the EU regulatory framework. You’ll be exploring how the EU ensures that these innovations are safe, effective, all while taking into account ethics and policy. It is a course that connects the varying domains, further helping you understand the future of healthcare in Europe. 🚀

To help you survive and thrive in HTI&EUC, we’ve gathered tips and tricks to help you in this course! 

• EUR-Lex is Your Best Friend 🔍: If you need to find the full text of EU regulations and directives, EUR-Lex is an essential resource. Use it to explore real policies that impact healthcare innovation and legal frameworks in the EU. Do take it bit by bit, no good in overwhelming yourself!

• Health Tech is More Than Just Fitness Apps ⚙️: Most people associate health technology as that one app on their phone that they don’t open – the one that monitors every single step they take. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking this course is just about that—it also covers medical devices, adoption models, and digital health systems. 

• EU Law Matters—Don’t Ignore It! ⚖️: This course isn’t just about technology—it’s also about health law and governance. The EU sets the rules for medical devices, products, data protection (GDPR), and patient rights. If you skip the legal side, you’ll miss a huge part of the course. So trust us when we say, it’s important!

• Think Like an Innovator, Not Just a Student 💡: This course makes you look at things from a different perspective, embrace it! Approach the case studies as if you were a policy maker — how would YOU make this work?

• Time Management is NOT a Joke ⏱️: There are a lot of deadlines expected with the SCLs and course-alike. Be able to manage your time well between the two, not focusing on one and ignoring the other. It may seem a lot at first but it will get manageable. 

Awareness 

By Michael Naftel

Awareness April: Functional Neurologic Disorders

April is Functional neurological disorder (FND) awareness month in 2025. It aims to increase awareness and knowledge of a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work, rather than changes in the structure of the brain itself, as seen in many other neurological disorders. Unlike conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke, which involve identifiable damage to the brain or nervous system, FND is a functional disorder; meaning the problem lies in how the brain functions rather than its structure. Brain scans of individuals with FND often appear normal, even though their symptoms are very real and disabling. FND symptoms may include:

• Seizure-like episodes

• Problems with cognitive function

• Speech difficulties, such as sudden onset of stuttering or trouble speaking

• Problems with vision or hearing

• Pain (including chronic migraine)

• Extreme slowness and fatigue

• Numbness or inability to sense touch

FND can develop at any age, often after illness, injury, stress, or trauma. Triggers that cause FND episodes to occur are not always the same as the cause for developing FND. For example, sensory stimulation from multiple directions can trigger a non-epileptic seizure, largely removing independence from a patient's daily life. Many experience symptoms for months or even years before receiving the correct diagnosis, with those experiencing symptoms often being misdiagnosed with epilepsy or depression. Once diagnosed, patients often struggle to find effective treatment, as FND falls outside of the competencies of many healthcare professionals. There is no single treatment that works for everyone, but a combination of physical therapy, psychological support, and symptom management strategies can help improve quality of life. 

Despite FND’s potential to upend a person's life, it remains poorly understood and under-recognised. To change this, a group of individuals living with FND in the Netherlands have come together to organise “FNS Maand”. It’s an initiative aimed at spreading knowledge and support by providing resources and support to those diagnosed with FND; helping partners, family members, and caregivers understand FND and its impact; and encouraging better recognition and management of the condition in medical settings. This year, 13 online meetings and webinars will take place throughout the month, covering topics like:

• FND & Long Covid

• Relationships & FND

• Q&A sessions with experts

• Special groups for young people, men, and caregivers

The impact of FND can be life-altering, but with greater awareness, proper diagnosis, and compassionate support, individuals with FND can find ways to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. FND Awareness Month is a step towards that goal. For more information or to participate in upcoming events, go to https://zelfregietool.nl/onderwerp/fns/ or contact Zelfregie FNS at zelfregiegroepfns@kpnmail.ml.

Game Corner

By Nicholas Biernath 

Across

3. A habit that harms your lungs

9. Running, swimming, or walking to stay fit

11. Stopping illness before it starts

13.Feeling worried or overwhelmed

14. When you can’t stop doing something, like smoking

15. A disease where cells grow out of control

18. Dirty air or water that can harm health

Down

1. Not getting enough food or the right nutrients

2. A disease where blood sugar levels are too high

4. Washing hands and staying clean to avoid illness

5. Feeling good in your body and mind

7. A shot to protect against diseases like flu or measles

10. What you eat every day to stay healthy

12. Eating the right foods to stay healthy

14. Getting older and the changes it brings

15. When a disease spreads from one person to another

16. A common illness with fever and tiredness

17. A tiny germ that can make you sick

Student of the Month!

EUnitas is pleased to recognise Stella Rurema as EPH’s ‘Student of the Month’ for April of 2025 as nominated by a peer. 

Her peers state that “Stella is currently doing her minor in health sciences, is a board member, participates in SHE collaborates program, AND on top of that is an Honours program student. Despite being incredibly busy, she excels in all her classes and even has time for social events outside of university (truly mesmerising). Apart from being academically talented and intelligent, she also has a staggering sense of humour (surprisingly). I’m kidding. She is a ray of sunshine (occasionally), who never fails to amaze me by just how kind one can be. Good job Stella, keep it up!”

[As the editor of this newsletter, Stella is humbled and so thankful to be surrounded by the sweetest people ever😊 ]