LOCAL BUSINESSES JOIN TOGETHER TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH
Carolinas Health Initiative formed to address local health issues

Loris, SC -- According to a 2004 study conducted by US Health and Human Services Agency, South Carolina is one of the unhealthiest states in the nation, ranking 46th in the country.  Local businesses, health providers, and media organizations have joined together to create Carolinas Health Initiative, a collaborative effort designed to improve the health and well-being of individuals residing in our area. 

In late 2006, Loris Healthcare System, NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center, Easy105, WBTW, Horry County Jobs and The Sun News set about to create a network of citizens, community organizations and businesses whose goal was to develop health initiatives which would address certain health needs of area residents. 

Modeled after Governor Sanford's results-oriented, Healthy South Carolina Challenge, Carolinas Health Initiative set out to address the health needs of our communities; strategies and actions to improve our residents' health; and ways to track and monitor progress of efforts. 

An action plan was developed for community participation in programs that will address the following areas:  increasing and improving physical activity & fitness; improving nutrition; weight loss & maintaining a healthy weight.

Carolinas Health Initiative decided to first create a program which would address the need for increased physical activity.  According to the Healthy SC Challenge website, physical inactivity costs our state an estimated $4,653,065,914 in medical care, workers comp and lost productivity each year, averaging about $1,466 per person.

Moonwalk 2007 is the first of many community-oriented projects planned by Carolinas Health Initiative.  This program is designed to motivate area residents to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives. Participants will be encouraged to walk the distance to the moon and back, a total of 477,400 miles.   

Kick-off events are planned for Saturday, February 3 at North Myrtle Beach Aquatics & Fitness Center and Center for Health & Fitness in Loris.  Interested parties can register to participate, receive a personal mileage log, walking tips and additional health and safety information.  The first 500 to register will receive a free pedometer.

Program participants may register as a team or individuals.  Walkers will be able to track their progress in their personal mileage log and on the Moonwalk website developed by Linkbrokers of North Myrtle Beach.  Teams will designate a captain who will log their team's progress online.   The website, www.carolinasmoonwalk.com, will be become active the same day as the event kick-offs.  A recognition event will be held once the distance to the moon and back is accomplished. 

If you are interested in learning more about Moonwalk 2007 or Carolinas Health Initiative, you may contact Melinda Chappell, Executive Director of NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center at 843.280.5632, or Celeste Bondurant-Bell, Director of Marketing & Business Development for Loris Healthcare System at 843.716.7527.

Future plans for community programs sponsored by Carolinas Health Initiative will focus on improving nutritional choices for children and adults as well as maintaining a healthy weight.  Long-range goals for the Initiative are to develop relationships with partners in the corporate, education, health, and public sectors; and work together to promote a healthier community.   

For more information:
Email:  cbondura@sccoast.net 
Phone: 843.716.7527