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

Ohio University and the City of Dublin are partnering on a new health-related speaker series aimed at bringing relevant topics regarding health that can benefit the surrounding community.

The series, the OHIO Dublin Speaker Series, will debut with the first conversation, “Live Longer, Longer Stronger!,” on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Dublin Integrated Education Center auditorium on the Dublin campus.

“It is my hope that the Ohio University Dublin Speaker Series will further connect the Dublin community and Ohio University by promoting health, wellness, and resilience through dynamic presentations that stimulate thought, conversation, and action,” Dr. William (Bill) Burke, dean of the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Dublin and associate professor of Family Medicine, said.

Dr. Brian Clark, executive director of the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Harold E. Clybourne, D.O., Endowed Research Chair Professor of Physiology, and Dr. Leslie Consitt, associate professor of Microanatomy, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., Endowed Faculty Fellow in Enhanced Metabolic Aging, from OHIO’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine will speak on healthy aging, including maintenance of mobility, and health benefits of lifestyle modification and exercise. The talk will summarize science- based tips for healthy aging, with a deeper dive looking into the role of exercise/physical activity for promoting both brain and physical health.

Clark will specifically discuss the effects of aging on bones, nerves and muscles, while Consitt will cover metabolism. 

“Preserving muscle strength isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a necessity for a life of independence and vitality as we age,” Clark said. “Preventive strategies can make a significant difference in how we age, physically and mentally.”

They will also discuss what an “exercise prescription” is and what that looks like for middle-aged and older adults.

“Healthy aging is possible,” Consitt said. “While aging itself is inevitable, we don’t necessarily need to struggle with chronic disease and physical disability as part of the aging process.”

This series will include two programs each academic year — one in the spring and one in the fall — and is open and free for anyone interested in bettering their health to attend.

“As a community focused on lifelong learning, the City of Dublin embraces this new speaker series from our partners at Ohio University,” Christine Nardecchia, director of the City’s Outreach & Engagement division, said. “The series speaks to our residents’ emphasis on their health, the health of our local seniors and the ways we are striving to become the most resilient global city of choice. Linking these topics together for others to learn from the OHIO campus right in their backyard shows how important consistent community dialogue and education can be.”

Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably as the program will include a demonstration of exercises that support increased mobility.

OHIO’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has three campuses across the state of Ohio, with one of them being 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.

“Leadership from the City of Dublin and the greater Dublin community have enthusiastically supported and embraced the development of Ohio University’s Dublin campus, and we see the Lecture Series as a way to give back and enhance the visibility of the university and it’s outstanding faculty,” Burke said.