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:

• Join Our Free Support Gatherings
• Diabetes Health Fair & Town Hall
• Follow Us on Social Media
• Resources

• Wellness in Our Community
• Inspirational Quotes

Join Our FREE Support Gatherings

We are excited to introduce our FREE virtual series of supportive gatherings designed to help us navigate challenges together:

Unity and Healing: Navigating Autism Together

When: First Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM on Zoom

Meeting ID: 961 9251 4323

Passcode: autism

Join us the first Tuesday of every month for a supportive gathering where parents and guardians of autistic children can:

• Share experiences in a safe and friendly space
• Get emotional support and guidance
• Learn about available resources

Mind, Body, and Soul: A Path to Wellness

When: Second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM on Zoom

Meeting ID: 915 1604 1271

Passcode: usc

Join us the second Tuesday of every month for an open, supportive space where you can:

• Talk openly about mental health and building resilience
• Learn and practice helpful techniques like journaling, breathwork, and mindfulness
• Connect with others in a supportive and caring environment

Save the Date:

Diabetes Health Fair & Town Hall

We are pleased to announce that we are organizing a health fair focused on diabetes.

Doctors and pharmacists will be present to talk with you about your health. They will review medications and offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat evaluations. Flu vaccines will also be available for those 18 and older.

Saturday, November 9

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.



L.A. Care

4801 Whittier Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90022

More details will be shared in our next newsletter!

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

Resources

South Los Angeles Free Produce Distribution

Frequency: Every fourth Thursday of the month

Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Address: 123 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, 90301

Feed LA

Frequency: Every first and third Tuesday of the month

Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Address: 4301 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Wellness in Our Community

Keeping our Community Moving

Last month, we emphasized the importance of healthy eating within the Black community. This month, we’re shifting our focus to the importance of physical activity.

Being active is important for staying healthy. Regular exercise helps prevent health problems like heart disease and diabetes, and it can also make you feel happier and less stressed. Physical activity keeps your muscles and bones strong, helps you move better, and improves your overall well-being. You don’t need to do a lot—small amounts of activity every day can make a big difference in your health.

Don't know where to start? Here are some ideas to consider:

• Dance Your Way to Better Brain Health: Scientists have found that the areas of the brain that control memory and skills such as planning and organizing improve with exercise. Dance has the added dimensions of rhythm, balance, music, and a social setting that enhances the benefits of simple movement – and can be fun! Read more.

• Strength (Resistance) Exercises: Strength exercises help build muscle, which is essential for staying independent and performing everyday activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries. Strong muscles also improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, especially in older adults. Strength training can involve using weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight. Read more.

• Balance Exercises: Balance exercises are especially important for older adults to prevent falls, which can lead to serious injuries. Many balance exercises also improve lower-body strength, which contributes to stability. Simple activities like standing on one foot, walking heel-to-toe, or practicing Tai Chi can enhance your balance over time. Read more.

Inspirational Quotes

“The first wealth is health.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier



“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

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.