We’re launching a new weekly feature called “Tell Me Something,” where we invite local scholars to share a single interesting, insightful, or cool thing they’ve learned in their careers that most people don’t know, which can help us better understand our world or give us new perspectives on common issues.

This week, UNC psychology professor Mitch Prinstein discusses the physical impacts of loneliness, which can literally affect us on a cellular level; studies have shown that a lack of social relationships is an even stronger predictor of early death than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Conversely, having many social relationships is physically beneficial – so Mitch and Aaron talk about what steps we can take to develop those relationships – and help other people develop their own.

Mitch Prinstein via UNC.edu

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live.

You can also listen to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” on Spotify. Click here to follow Aaron and listen to all his segments, from local news to fun features to hard-hitting interviews.

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