Lifestyle Medicine Club at UCLA: Wellness in Action Through Free Clinics
On February 1, the Lifestyle Medicine Club at UCLA held its second biweekly free clinic, providing vital health screening services to underserved communities in South Los Angeles. This initiative is part of a broader mission to address health disparities and promote wellness in areas where access to healthcare is limited. Hosted at the Full Gospel Community Church of God in Christ, the event brought together volunteers and community members for a day of health education, screenings, and support.
A Community-Centered Approach
The event was organized with the goal of reaching families facing barriers to health services, particularly those experiencing food or housing insecurity. Tammy Shen, co-president of the Lifestyle Medicine Club and a UCLA alumnus, emphasized the need for such resources in the community. “We want to make health care accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic situation,” she stated.
Roger Williams, one of the assistant pastors at the host church, played a crucial role in facilitating the clinic. Having collaborated with Shen on various healthcare-related endeavors over the years, Williams expressed his commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit the community. Their ongoing partnership has included programs aimed at helping seniors manage hypertension—a pressing health issue in the area.
Health Services Provided at the Clinic
During the clinic, attendees received a variety of health screening services designed to address common health concerns. These included vision tests and blood pressure screenings, alongside opportunities to connect with social services. As Shen highlighted, “We assessed blood pressure, collected height and weight data, and directed participants to a vision screening station.” Depending on the results, participants engaged in personalized discussions about possible lifestyle changes to enhance their health outcomes.
A notable addition to this event was the presence of Tena, an organization that assists patients in navigating health insurance and accessing other essential resources. This collaboration reinforced the club’s commitment to comprehensive care, ensuring participants leave not just with knowledge about their health, but also with pathways to further support.
Enhancing a Family-Friendly Environment
Recognizing that health check-ups can be daunting, especially for families, the Lifestyle Medicine Club introduced a children’s corner at this latest clinic. Volunteers were on hand to engage and entertain the kids as their parents accessed health services. Nayagadurai, another co-president of the Club, noted the importance of catering to the needs of families. “Based on feedback from our pilot clinic in December, we learned just how critical it is to provide a safe, fun space for children while their parents are getting checked,” he remarked.
Building Community Connections
The essence of the free clinic transcends mere health services; it aims to foster a sense of community. “We’re committed to creating an environment where people can feel comfortable seeking help,” Nayagadurai explained. The club aims to establish lasting relationships within the community, and the regularity of the clinics—every two weeks—allows for continuity and rapport-building.
Participants are not just clients; they are individuals receiving personalized advice that speaks to their unique health situations. Nayagadurai highlighted the club’s autonomy in tailoring services, stating, “We can assess and adapt our offerings based on what the community truly needs.” This responsiveness ensures that health advice is not just generic but rather actionable for those seeking to make meaningful lifestyle changes.
Joy in Service
Beyond the services offered, the atmosphere at the clinic was one of joy and connection. Assistant Pastor Williams observed, “Everyone was smiling at our last event. The students were happy to be giving, and the community members appreciated the services.” This infectious positivity speaks to the power of community-driven initiatives, where both providers and recipients share in the experience of connection and support.
In a world where healthcare access can often become a source of frustration and distress, the efforts of the Lifestyle Medicine Club at UCLA highlight the profound impact of community service. By addressing health disparities with compassion and care, these biweekly clinics are more than just health screenings—they’re a celebration of community resilience and cooperation.
