City of Houston WIC Nutrition EXPO
As part of its ongoing community outreach mission, the Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine within the Institute of Perioperative Medicine (IPM) participated in the 2026 City of Houston WIC Nutrition Mini Conference Health Expo. Representing the Center, Dr. Xiaoyi Yuan, Dr. Cong Luo, Dr. Yanyu Wang, and Ragini Nair engaged in this important public health outreach initiative, which aligns with IPM’s commitment to translating scientific discovery into meaningful community impact. The interactive session focused on transforming evidence-based circadian research into practical strategies that support immune resilience in families. The Health Expo brought together WIC clerical staff, nutritionists, registered dietitians, nurses, and public health professionals from multiple divisions, with more than 200 attendees expected.
As part of this hands-on community health fair, our researchers, on behalf of the Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, hosted an educational booth titled “Circadian Rhythm & Well-Being — How Biological Clocks Shape Inflammation, Immunity, and Tissue Repair.” The booth complemented the Expo’s focus on immune health and prevention, aligning closely with IPM’s translational research mission and other stations centered on light exposure and sleep hygiene.
The booth provided engaging learning experience that highlighted how Circadian rhythms are natural 24-hour biological clocks that coordinate how our bodies function throughout the day. They help regulate inflammation, immune defenses, and tissue repair, showing that when we sleep, eat, and experience light, it can strongly influence our health and healing. By translating complex circadian science into accessible, practical information, the booth encouraged meaningful conversations around wellness, prevention, and the importance of maintaining biological balance. This approach supported the Health Expo’s broader goal of equipping public health professionals with knowledge they can apply and share within the communities they serve.
Participation in the City of Houston WIC Nutrition Expo reflects the Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine’s commitment to community engagement and public health education through the Institute of Perioperative Medicine. This outreach effort helped bridge scientific research with real-world application, empowering public health professionals with knowledge they can apply and share within the communities they serve, while reinforcing the vital connection between circadian rhythm, immune health, and overall well-being.