Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute

March is National Nutrition Month, a reminder that nutritional health and education are critical to obtaining optimal health. Nutrition plays a central role in your health, as it can be a cornerstone of prevention and treatment plans for many chronic illnesses. Food delivers energy and tells our body how to function at a cellular level. It also connects us to our social environment, and these relationships impact and improve our overall well-being. Karen Lindsay, Phd, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, offers her advice for you if you're looking to improve your nutrition: "Research continually shows that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods can harm many facets of our health. We can minimize our intake of unhealthy food products by primarily consuming meals prepared in the home using basic, whole foods – those that don’t have an ingredients list (e.g. carrots) or those that have a short ingredients list with items we can recognize (e.g. a can of diced tomatoes)." Need some guidance on your nutrition journey? We have a collection of delicious and healthy recipes that feature beautiful, whole foods. Head over to our Learning Library to try one for your next meal: https://lnkd.in/giWeKiAb We also offer nutritional education cooking classes in our Mussallem Nutritional Education Center, where executive chef Jessica VanRoo, CCMP, NBC-HWC, teaches you the kitchen skills you need to make nutritious meals at home: https://lnkd.in/g3_axDc8 What is one change you've made recently to improve your nutrition? Or what have you been struggling with lately that you're working on? Share your experiences with us in the comments! #nutritionmonth #nationalnutritionmonth #healthycooking #nutritionaleducation #cooking #recipes #orangecounty #irvine #classes #orangecountyevents #thingstodoorangecounty

This World Sleep Day is a great opportunity to check in with yourself about your sleep habits. Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet many people struggle to get truly restorative rest. Poor sleep is not just about feeling tired—it has been linked to increased inflammation, a higher risk of heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, and mood disturbances. It also reduces resilience to daily stressors, making it even harder to break the cycle of poor sleep and stress. Integrative approaches can be powerful tools for improving sleep, particularly in managing chronic stress—a major disruptor of healthy rest. Stress affects both the mind and body, contributing to physical tension, blood sugar fluctuations, circadian rhythm disruptions, and imbalanced cortisol levels. Evidence-informed practices like mindfulness meditation, biofeedback, deep breathing exercises, nature walks, and progressive muscle relaxation can help. Even simple habits like keeping a gratitude journal or practicing affirmations can make a difference in promoting better sleep and overall well-being. If you need some guidance on your journey to improving your sleep, our Learning Library offers free mindful meditations for you: https://lnkd.in/giWeKiAb What's one practice that you do to help make sure you get a good night's rest? #WorldSleepDay #sleep #sleepday #rest #integrativehealth #mindfulness #meditation #stressreduction #stress #health #wellbeing

UC Irvine has been ranked 12th overall and second among University of California campuses in the California Mobility Index, recognizing its commitment to inclusivity and student success. https://bit.ly/419jhDL

March is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, a time to recognize the profound impact these injuries can have on individuals. TBIs, which can be caused by a blow to the head or other significant trauma, can disrupt brain function and lead to lasting effects. In 2020, there were over 200,000 TBI-related hospitalizations, according to the CDC. For those with moderate/severe TBIs, recovery can be a long and challenging journey. However, patients can benefit greatly from a comprehensive, whole-person approach to care. K. Scott Phelps, DAOM, LAc, inpatient acupuncture lead at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, highlights the growing role of acupuncture in supporting TBI patients: "Emerging research suggests that acupuncture may have a neuroprotective effect, improving neurological outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Studies indicate that TBI patients who receive acupuncture experience fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations, improved muscle spasticity, and even a reduced risk of stroke. While more research is needed, a significant number of TBI patients appear to benefit from acupuncture.” In addition to acupuncture, mind-body therapies such as meditation, Tai Chi, and massage therapy have shown promising benefits for TBI recovery. A team-based, integrative approach is making a meaningful difference in helping to improve quality of life for TBI patients. #TBI #TBIAwareness #acupuncture #integrativehealth #meded #healthcareinnovation #medicalresearch Matsumoto-Miyazaki, J., Asano, Y., Ikegame, Y., Kawasaki, T., Nomura, Y., & Shinoda, J. (2016). Acupuncture Reduces Excitability of Spinal Motor Neurons in Patients with Spastic Muscle Overactivity and Chronic Disorder of Consciousness Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(11), 895–902. https://lnkd.in/gwYZJvfe Shih, C. C., Lee, H. H., Chen, T. L., Tsai, C. C., Lane, H. L., Chiu, W. T., & Liao, C. C. (2013). Reduced use of emergency care and hospitalization in patients with traumatic brain injury receiving acupuncture treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013. https://lnkd.in/gZEnNpFJ Shih, C. C., Hsu, Y. T., Wang, H. H., Chen, T. L., Tsai, C. C., Lane, H. L., Yeh, C. C., Sung, F. C., Chiu, W. T., Cherng, Y. G., & Liao, C. C. (2014). Decreased risk of stroke in patients with traumatic brain injury receiving acupuncture treatment: A population-based retrospective cohort study. PLoS ONE, 9(2). https://lnkd.in/gQuQ6xZE Sudhakaran, P. (2023). Traumatic Brain Injury: Acupuncture Treatment. Medical Acupuncture, 35(5), 251–256. https://lnkd.in/giX9nHYt Tan, L., Zeng, L., Wang, N., Deng, M., Chen, Y., Ma, T., Zhang, L., & Xu, Z. (2019). Acupuncture to Promote Recovery of Disorder of Consciousness after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. In Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Vol. 2019). Hindawi Limited. https://lnkd.in/gAAqDtkZ

Do you want to help Shaista Malik, MD, PhD, MPH, founding executive director of the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, prevent heart disease and stroke for women in our community? Every woman deserves a heart-healthy future. Dr. Malik has been nominated as a Woman of Impact by UCI Health leaders and the American Heart Association as part of the #GoRedforWomen movement. Through her #GoRedWomanofImpact campaign, Dr. Malik is raising critical funds to make a lasting difference in women’s heart health by championing integrative approaches to the prevention and care of heart disease in women. Research shows that nutrition and stress management play vital roles in heart health. By promoting whole, nutrient-dense foods, lifestyle medicine, and other integrative health practices, we can help reduce the rates of heart disease in women and empower women with tools for lifelong well-being. Your support will help fund groundbreaking research, expand education on healthy lifestyle interventions, and bridge the gap in women’s cardiovascular care. Join Dr. Malik in advancing evidence-informed, integrative health solutions to protect the hearts of women in our Orange County community. The campaign ends on April 10, 2025. Learn more about joining her team (no financial donation necessary) and/or donating to campaign here: https://lnkd.in/gcvkw84J Together, we can redefine heart health for women! #HeartHealthMonth #GoRed #integrativehealth #hearthealth #heartdisease #cardiovasculardisease #OrangeCounty #OC UC Irvine

Innovative science is on the agenda this week at the 2025 International Congress on Integrative Medicine & Health, convened by the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health. ? We’d like to draw your attention to some sessions that may be of special interest to you. Read more:?https://go.nih.gov/Gtkeif2

We're #hiring a Senior Financial Analyst to join our team! The Sr. Financial Analyst will use their skills as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of industry practices and organizational policies and procedures and resolve a wide range of issues in imaginative as well as practical ways. They will work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Additionally, they will demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Consider applying if you have thorough knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems, as well as experience using spreadsheet and database software for complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports. #hiringnow #jobopening #jobs #careeropportunities #jobsearch #financialanalyst

Are you looking to cultivate your ability to be present in the moment, and build resilience around health, thoughts, and emotions? We have a NEW mindfulness class to help you on your health journey: ??Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?? April 1-May 20, 2025 Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in-person at the Samueli Institute in Irvine Here's what you'll learn: ?How to re-center our focus in stressful situations ?How stress and reactivity play a role in health and healing ?How to cultivate mindful awareness through several different types of meditation practices ??Information and Registration: https://lnkd.in/guJQ8NR8 #mindfulness #MBSR #stressreduction #mentalhealth #meditation #Irvine #OrangeCounty #wellness #wellbeing #meditationclass #health #integrativehealth #wholepersonhealth #OC #orangecountyevents #thingstodoorangecounty

Tickets are now on sale for Women's Wellness Day 2025!?? Join us for an inspiring day full of renowned, thought-provoking speakers who share tools designed to empower you and enhance your personal well-being: ??Friday, May 2, 2025 ??7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. ??Balboa Bay Resort ??Virtual and In-Person * Limited in-person availability Visit us for registration, Marketplace information, and sponsorship opportunities. Use code LI15 for 15% off your registration: https://lnkd.in/g8XwtQBj The 23rd Annual Women’s Wellness Day (WWD) is hosted by the UC Irvine Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. This year’s theme is Rooted in Resilience, and leading researchers and healthcare professionals will offer clear guidance to help you on your whole-person health journey. Enjoy healthy meals, a wellness marketplace, and an empowering community atmosphere. #WomensWellnessDay #WWD2025 #integrativehealth #orangecounty #OC #Irvine #NewportBeach #orangecountyevents #thingstodoorangecounty #wellness #womenshealth #healthyliving

Whether you are just beginning an exercise program or are in peak physical health, Tai Chi can be good extremely beneficial! This low-impact exercise has been shown to improve strength, range of motion, and overall physical function. Research indicates it may also have beneficial effects for some clinical conditions, such as chronic pain, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Parkinson's disease. JOIN US for an engaging and restorative Tai Chi class ?? ?The Art & Science of Tai Chi for Beginners w/ Dr. Shin Lin: March 18-May 13, 2025 ?The Art & Science of Tai Chi for Intermediates w/ Dr. Shin Lin: March 18-May 13, 2025 ?Tai Chi for Beginners w/ J. Matthew Brand, LAc, C.SMA: June 16-Aug. 18, 2025 Register here: https://lnkd.in/gAQXCe-Z #taichi #exercise #fitness #integrativehealth #wellness #orangecounty #irvine #classes #orangecountyevents #thingstodoorangecounty