Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, it's a reminder that your mental and physical health are deeply interconnected. Chronic stress can lead to sleep problems, pain, digestive issues, and more. On the other hand, facing a physical health challenge can lead to depression or anxiety.

Mindfulness can help, says Jessica Drew de Paz, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and our director of mindfulness programs. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can significantly reduce chronic pain, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and enhance sleep. In addition, research supports a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression.

If you're looking for help cultivating moment-to-moment awareness through mindfulness practice, consider joining one of our Mindfulness community classes to learn from expert instructors and connect with others on a similar journey. See our available classes here: https://ssihi.uci.edu/community-programs/classes/mindfulness-program/

Thats's a wrap on Women's Wellness Days 2026!

We're so grateful to everyone who came out to REconnect, REcenter, and REinvest in their health and well-being. What "RE" are you taking with you from WWD?

From inspiring presentations and interactive workshops to culinary health demos, nutritious meals, curated marketplaces, diagnostic demos and more... the journey doesn't end here. Dive deeper by joining one of our free Post-WWD Virtual Office Hours with Dr. Robert McCarron, our director of education who is double board-certified in internal medicine and psychiatry. He'll more closely explore how thinking drives emotion — and how small, intentional shifts can create immediate and positive change.

☀️Post-WWD Virtual Office Hours w/ Dr. Robert McCarron☀️
Thursday, May 14 | 9-10 a.m.
Tuesday, May 19 | 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, June 2 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Register here: https://ssihi.uci.edu/education/post-post-wwd-virtual-office-hours-mccarron-gagliardi/

Our Women’s Wellness Days event is selling out fast, so we’re pleased to offer a limited number of single-day tickets! Visit us here to explore the full program of speakers and activities and to reserve your single-day ticket: https://ssihi.uci.edu/wwd2026

WWD has become a cornerstone experience in the Orange County community. What sets it apart is the opportunity to connect directly with leading integrative health experts while exploring transformative, hands-on activities:
✅ Engage in interactive workshops with top healthcare experts.
✅ Experience state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies from leading health innovators.
✅ Discover the latest healthcare approaches in showcase theaters.
✅ Participate in sound baths, tai chi, meditation, and more.
✅ Recharge through massage therapy, acupressure, and more.
✅ Fuel your body with delicious and balanced chef-created meals

It’s immersive. It's personal. It's designed to meet you wherever you are... so you can walk away with meaningful inspiration that supports your health journey. Join us May 8-9, 2026, for connection, learning, and renewal.

Renew your focus on your health this spring at our 24th annual Women's Wellness Days!

This transformative two-day experience features an exciting lineup of internationally renowned speakers who share practical tools and insights to empower you in enhancing your personal well-being.

Here are just a few of the inspiring women shaping the conversations at WWD this year:
✅Kelly Casperson, MD, Board-Certified Urologist, Author, Podcaster: "REigniting Your Sexuality"
✅Aimie Apigian, MD, Preventive and Addiction Medicine Physician: "REvive Your Aliveness: The Biology of Why You Feel Stuck — and How to Open Back Up to Life"
✅JJ Virgin, CNS, BCHN, EP-C, Triple Board-Certified Nutrition Expert: "REIGNITE!: The Muscle-First (™) Plan to Build Strength, Burn Fat and Achieve Metabolic Balance in Midlife (and beyond)"
✅Tieraona Low Dog, MD, Founding Director of the Integrative & Functional Medicine Fellowship: "Women, REsiliency, and the Intelligence of Healing"
✅Shaista Malik, MD, PhD, MPH, Founding Executive Director of the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute: "REdefining Longevity for Women"
✅Deanna Minich, MS, PhD, CN, CNS, IFMCP, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (IFMCP), Nutrition Scientist, Author: "REignite Your Health and Happiness: How Color Can Help You Reimagine Your Well-Being"
✅Gloria Mark, PhD, Psychologist and Chancelor’s Professor at UC Irvine: "REgaining Agency with our Attention in the Digital Age"
✅Ashley Koff, RD, Founder of The Better Nutrition Program: "Personalizing Your Weight Health Plan"

There's so much more to experience at Women's Wellness Day! Visit us to see our full agenda of expert speakers, wellness activities, health product showcases, and state-of-the-art diagnostic demos: https://ssihi.uci.edu/news-and-media/events/womens-wellness-day-2026/