Ohio University and the City of Dublin continue partnership to bring health-centered conversations to community

Ohio University and the City of Dublin are continuing their partnership to present the next program of the OHIO Dublin Speaker Series. The health-related speaker series brings awareness to relevant topics regarding health that can benefit the surrounding community.

The next event in the series, “The Art of Aging with a Healthy Brain,” will take place on Wednesday, April 24, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at The Abbey Theater of Dublin in the Dublin Recreation Center.

Dr. Graciela Muniz-Terrera, an OHIO professor of social medicine and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O. Endowed Professor in Health and Aging, and Dr. Julie A. Suhr, professor, and director of clinical training in OHIOs’ Department of Psychology, will speak on how community members can best maintain their cognitive skills while aging.

Dr. Muniz-Terrera’s research focuses on aging and brain health, with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics. Muniz-Terrera is also a member of the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute.

"Think of healthy aging as you do about your pension: if you start early and save consistently, you'll have a better pension later in life,” said Dr. Muniz-Terrera. “Similarly, if you start early and consistently engage in physical, mental and social activities, you will have better chances of getting to old age in good shape. But remember, it's never too late to start if you have not started yet!"

Dr. Suhr’s area of specialty is clinical neuropsychology, which she views as an integration of clinical psychology and neuroscience. Her research reflects this integration, and the importance of a good understanding of psychology to understand neuroscience.

"You don't come with a check engine light to tell you when things might be going wrong,” said Dr. Suhr. “That is why it is important to engage in preventative behaviors and also preventative checkups, such as keeping tabs on your weight, your blood sugars, your blood pressure, to keep your brain healthy as you age."

OHIO’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has three campuses across the state of Ohio, with one of them located in Dublin. The College of Health Sciences and Professions, the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service and the College of Business also have a presence on the Dublin campus. Through this series, the University and city can bring more visibility to the campus and immediate community.

“We are looking forward to the second session of the Ohio University Dublin Speaker Series featuring two of our outstanding OHIO faculty members on a topic of importance to so many in our community,” said Dr. William Burke, dean of Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Dublin and associate professor of family medicine at the Heritage College. “Our initial session last fall generated tremendous enthusiasm from participants and demonstrated the importance and value of our partnership with the City of Dublin.”

The event is open to participants of all ages. Those interested may register here.