MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Learn some of the “steps” you can take to help become a centenarian by joining Tidelands Health Dr. Gerald Harmon on Saturday, May 13, for the kickoff of a new community walking initiative.
Dr. Harmon will lead the first Tidelands Health “Walk With a Doc” program, to be held at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month in The Market Common community of Horry County. Each program will begin with a brief presentation on a health topic from a Tidelands Health physician before participants enjoy a walk around the lake at Grand Park. The event will also feature healthy snacks and blood pressure checks.
The first Walk With a Doc program on May 13 will start with a presentation from Dr. Harmon on how to “Live to be 100 – One Step at a Time.” Dr. Harmon, chair-elect of the national American Medical Association board of trustees, will discuss the importance of exercise to living a longer, healthier life.
Future programs will include presentations on bone health, joint hygiene, cardiac health, maintaining back health and many other topics. Attendees should meet at 9 a.m. in Pavilion A at the Grand Park Athletic Complex.
“Walk With a Doc is a fun, engaging way to learn about important health topics, exercise and enjoy our beautiful climate,” said Laura Carmine, a Tidelands Health nurse who is organizing the effort. “We’re extremely excited to bring the program to our region.”
Walk With a Doc has proven to be extremely successful in other areas of the country, Carmine said. It began in Ohio in 2005 and has since spread across the country.
Bruce Bailey, president and CEO of Tidelands Health, said the program is part of the health system’s broader effort to promote health and wellness in the community.
Among other initiatives, the health system in April announced plans to build multi-purpose trails around its hospitals to encourage more physical activity.
“We’ve made a commitment as an organization to step up and play an active role in transforming the health of our region,” Bailey said. “That means we can’t wait until people are injured or sick to become a partner in their health care.
“Instead, our goal is to proactively engage the community to improve lives and help prevent the health problems so prevalent in our community.”
