SC CTSI Community Engagement

Mission: The Community Engagement (CE) core group at the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI) at the University of Southern California serves as a bridge between academic researchers and local communities, establishing sustainable partnerships to ensure research initiatives effectively address the genuine needs of the community.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Message from the Community Engagement Team
• Chair Yoga with Esther
• Community Events
• Resources

• The Healthy Food Corner
• Health Research Studies
• Follow Us on Social Media
• Inspirational Quotes

Message from the Community Engagement Team

This June, we want to highlight two important themes: Alzheimer's Awareness Month and Men's Health Month.

Alzheimer's Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate ourselves about this disease and support those who suffer from it, as well as their caregivers.

June is also Men's Health Month. We encourage all men to prioritize their physical and mental health, get medical checkups, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

We deeply appreciate your continued support and commitment to our community.



Thank you, and have a wonderful month of June!

Chair Yoga with Esther

Have you heard of chair yoga? It offers the same benefits of traditional yoga, such as improved flexibility, strength, balance, and mental clarity, but it can be done while sitting in a chair or using a chair for support.

This makes it a great option for people with mobility issues, seniors, or anyone looking for a gentle yet effective way to practice yoga.

In our recent video, Esther, Community Outreach Coordinator, demonstrates a few chair yoga poses that you can do at home or in the office.

Watch the video here.

Community Events

2024 Los Angeles County Arts and Health Week Summit

Friday, June 14 from 9am - 5pm

Location: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

135 North Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012

Hosted by LA Opera in collaboration with LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District; Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture; and Healing Arts—an initiative of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab—and the World Health Organization, this unique summit offers conversations and participatory experiences, and promotes creative ways to approach wellness.

Thought leaders including arts practitioners, medical experts and administrators, policymakers and researchers will gather at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for discussions and presentations exploring how the arts can increasingly, and equitably, support health and wellbeing.

More information

Health Fair with Healing California

Saturday, June 15 from 9am - 5pm

Location: 420 Date Street Montebello, CA 90640

A New Way of Life and Healing California will be conducting a health fair at their Montebello location. Dental and vision services will be offered for free.

Healing California is a community-based organization that provides free, quality dental, medical and vision care to those in need in California.

RSVP does not guarantee you will be seen.



More information

Resources

South Los Angeles Food and Resource Distribution

Frequency: Every Tuesday

Hours: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Address: 6916 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90047

Feed LA

Frequency: Every Thursday

Hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Address: Culver-Palms Family YMCA

4500 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

Services for Unhoused Individuals

Burbank Temporary Aid Center

Contact info: (818) 848-2822

Services: Groceries, hygiene items, household goods, laundry services, and shower facilities.

The Healthy Food Corner

Easy Tempeh Lettuce Wraps

This 20-minute vegetarian recipe uses gut-boosting tempeh to create a delectable dinner. Plus, a final dollop of Greek yogurt at the end adds a lighter creaminess we can’t get enough of.



Ingredients

• 1 c. quinoa
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 c. grape tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• kosher salt
• pepper
• 8 oz. roasted tempeh, cut into pieces
• 1 c. shredded red cabbage
• 3/4 head Boston lettuce
• mint leaves, for serving
• 1/2 c. plain 2% Greek yogurt, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat oven to 450°F. Cook quinoa per package directions.
2. Step 2: Halve zucchini lengthwise and cut into 1-in. pieces. On rimmed baking sheet, toss zucchini, onion, and grape tomatoes with olive oil, and season with 1/4 tsp. each kosher salt and pepper. Roast until just tender, 10 to 12 min.; transfer to bowl.
3. Step 3: Fluff quinoa and add to bowl with vegetables along with tempeh and red cabbage; toss to combine.
4. Step 4: Separate leaves from lettuce head. Fill lettuce leaves with quinoa mixture and top with mint leaves. Dollop with Greek yogurt and serve with lime wedges.

Nutritional Facts

348 cal

22 g pro

42 g carb

5 g fiber

5 g sugars (0 g added sugars 13 g fat (3 g sat fat)

2 mg chol

157 mg sodium

Health Research Studies

Interested in participating in a health research study? 

Has your child recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Do you find yourself overwhelmed and confused about what to do next and how to best support your child? The University of Southern California Autism and Family Support Lab is launching a new study that is testing the effectiveness of a parent program called STAND. The purpose of STAND is to help families feel more assured and confident in understanding and supporting their autistic child.

To sign up or learn more, send them an email to auitsmfs.lab@gmail.com or complete their Google form here. 

Visit their website here.

For additional information on this study and to view other ongoing research projects at USC and CHLA, click here.

Follow Us on Social Media

Want to learn more about the work we are doing in the community? Follow us to stay updated!

@usc.ctsi.community

Inspirational Quotes

“History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.’”

— Michelle Obama

“You have the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, and to show people how to embrace their complications, and see flaws, and the true beauty and strength that's inside all of us.” 

— Beyonce



“To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”

 — Buddha

Questions?

Natayla Seals

Community Outreach Coordinator

Community Engagement, SC CTSI

(323) 447-7905

Natayla.Seals@med.usc.edu

Would you like to subscribe to our community newsletter in Spanish?

Contact Mayra Rubio-Diaz at mayrarub@med.usc.edu.