Optimal Health Series Human beings are wired for social connections, but when those connections are few, our health pays the price. The U.S. is suffering from a loneliness epidemic, and the toll it takes on our health is both enormous and measurable. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness and isolation a "public health emergency," saying loneliness can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The Surgeon General's startling advisory found that poor social connections can raise the risk of heart disease by 29%, increase the risk of stroke by 32%, and increase the risk of developing dementia in older adults by 50%. There is hope: leaders across Ohio are working to combat loneliness, to re-establish connections lost during the pandemic, and create new resources to reduce social isolation. This thought-provoking panel discussion tackles the loneliness epidemic in Ohio and its profound health and societal implications, including actionable strategies to build socially connected communities that can thrive, enjoy better health outcomes, and develop resilience in the face of loneliness. Featuring panelists: Dr. Amy Acton, Private Practice, Preventive Medicine, and Former Director, Ohio Department of Health Dr. Whitney Raglin Bignall, On Our Sleeves Associate Clinical Director, Nationwide Children's Hospital Susan DiMickele, CEO, National Church Residences Dr. Megan Schabbing, Medical Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services, OhioHealth The host is Tracie McCambridge, Director of Art & Resilience, The Wexner Center for the Arts The presenting sponsors of CMC's Optimal Health Series are The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and OhioHealth. This forum was sponsored by The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation and by National Church Residences. It was supported by The Ellis. The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on April 10, 2024.  Please note this CMC forum contains a conversation about suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or addiction, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.

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