This lecture offers a timely and important exploration of how we can live healthier, disease-free lives. Centered around the concept of healthspan—the portion of life spent in good health, as distinct from total lifespan—the session will challenge us to think differently about what it means to pursue health, rather than merely reduce disease risk.

Leaders from the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute will reflect on their multiyear journey shaping a research agenda that reframes medicine around the foundations of well-being. Drawing from robust scientific evidence, the talk will highlight key building blocks of health—including nature, nutrition, and community—and why these require renewed attention in medical research and health systems. The presentation will also offer practical insights into what individuals can do now to promote their own healthspan. Local examples, especially in nature-based interventions and the possibilities of diet, will help ground these ideas in real-world impact.

This lecture is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Agenda:

A reception will be held from 4:30-5:25 p.m., followed by the lecture at 5:30 p.m.

Location:

The Filson Historical Society - 1310 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40208

Speaker:

Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar is the Smith & Lucille Gibson Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Environmental Medicine, and Director of the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville. A Fellow of the American Heart Association, he is recognized as a pioneer in the field of environmental cardiology. His research explores how oxidative stress from internal and environmental sources contributes to cardiovascular disease. Dr. Bhatnagar leads major initiatives such as the Green Heart Louisville Project and has authored hundreds of scientific publications while mentoring a large research team. He will be joined by colleagues from the Envirome Institute as part of the presentation and discussion.