January’s Fresh Start SPNA’s Annual Cleanse + More

       Health was the focus – physical, mental, social, and community – of the second SPNA (South Park Neighborhood Association) January Fresh Start event for South Park residents. There were a number of healthy options  to start 2025 on a positive note.

         One healthy option was a 30-minute walk in the neighborhood which provided physical activity, mental stimulation, socializing with others, and learning more about our community. Walks included all areas of South Park allowing walkers to check out what is new in the neighborhood – new residential tower at Hill and Olympic, new plaza at LA Live, new home store on Olive at 14th Street, University of Guadalajara Medical in the Hearst Building on Broadway, and The Gallery at Olive and Olympic. Walks ended at Verve Coffee and Cow Café.  One walk ended at the new Grand Tower at Dignity Health California Medical Center with a tour of the new emergency and trauma areas and the family birth center. See related article in this issue of The Scene.

         Fresh Start provided a class on how to Stop the Bleed by the trauma department at Dignity Health California Medical Center. Participants learned three methods to save a person from bleeding out after an injury. It only takes five minutes for a person to bleed out if an artery is involved and 10 minutes for other bleeds. It can happen quickly, but now many of your neighbors can help save your life. Other classes offered were on distracted driving and weight management.

         Many participants joined Fresh Start to cleanse after the holidays. Participants chose a cleanse that worked for them. Lagree Fitness (on 12th at Hope) provided free health data to mark the beginning and end of the month’s focus on a healthier diet. The winner, the person who made the most progress in January, will be announced in the next newsletter.

         During January, LA dealt with the worst wildfires  in recent history. Fresh Start participants joined community efforts to donate supplies, helped at the downtown YMCA to sort donations to deliver to other organizations near the fires, and made donations to the firefighters working to save our neighbors and trying to minimize the effects of the fires.

         Whether your interest was diet or exercise or socialization or helping others, SPNA’s Fresh Start helped start the new year with a healthy positive focus. See you next year!

By Debra Shrout