From November until next spring, events will take place throughout the region in collaboration with local sports associations. Activities are open to all, free of charge, and require no reservations, to promote exercise, well-being, and the prevention of stroke and dementia.

Taking care of your health can start with a simple gesture: exercise, preferably in company. This is the spirit of "Mens SANA in corpore SANO," the series of gentle exercise sessions promoted by ATSL – Area 1 as part of PREVE.DI (Preventing Dementia and Stroke), a European project of the Interreg VI-A France–Italy ALCOTRA program, co-financed by the European Union.

The initiative will kick off in November with the first events in Ospedaletti, Sanremo, and Imperia and will continue until next spring, with a packed calendar of activities organized in collaboration with the sports associations in the province of Imperia that have joined the project.

All sessions are free to attend, with no reservation required, and offer a simple and enjoyable way to explore physical activity, exploring disciplines such as gentle gymnastics, postural exercises, yoga, and Qi Gong.

The program is part of the prevention activities promoted by PREVE.DI, which aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of recognizing and reducing modifiable risk factors associated with stroke and dementia. Among these, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the factors that can be addressed through small changes in daily habits.

"Prevention also involves the choices we make every day," explains Dr. Oliva, project manager of the European project PREVE.DI. "With these meetings, we aim to transform recommendations for healthy lifestyles into concrete, accessible, and affordable opportunities for everyone. Regular exercise helps protect cardiovascular and brain health, while engaging in group activities combats loneliness and promotes psychological well-being and social relationships. The goal is to encourage people to make prevention a habit, starting with simple activities that can be maintained over time."

Collaboration with local sports organizations is crucial to the program's success. They will provide their expertise and professionalism to support participants in the various activities.

"With PREVE.DI, we're bringing health promotion beyond healthcare facilities and closer to the public," emphasizes Dr. Marino Anfosso, director of ATSL – Area 1. "Thanks to our collaboration with sports associations, we can offer free opportunities for exercise and socializing in several municipalities across the province. This is a concrete way to enhance the local area and build a culture of prevention that engages people in their everyday lives. We invite you to participate, even those who don't regularly engage in physical activity: great performances aren't necessary, just the desire to start taking care of yourself."

The first scheduled appointments

Friday, November 6, 2026

• Ospedaletti, 10:30–12:30 – Municipal Amphitheatre, via XX Settembre 34. Light fitness and gentle gymnastics with ASD Happiness.

• Sanremo, 11.00–13.00 – Villa Ormond, Corso Cavallotti 113. Gentle and postural gymnastics with ASD Dance in Motion.

Saturday, November 7, 2026

• Imperia – OLIOLIVA - 9:30–11:30 a.m. – Largo Piana (Bus stop behind Piazza Dante). Gentle gymnastics with CSEN.

Sunday, November 8, 2026

• Pompeiana, 10:00–12:00 – Park next to the soccer field. Gentle Chinese gymnastics (Qi Gong) with ASD Actilife.

• Imperia - OLIOLIVA - 9.30–11.30 am – Largo Piana (Bus stop behind Piazza Dante).

The calendar will be gradually expanded with new events throughout the region until next spring, thanks to the participation of participating sports associations.

Participation is free. It's an opportunity to dedicate some time to yourself, discover the pleasure of moving together, and remember that prevention begins with small, everyday choices.