Category: Healthy Living

YMCA of Coastal Carolina launches Teens and Tweens Be Well program with Tidelands Health pediatrician 

Posted on by Hatton Gravely
Tyler Wiggins, clinical exercise coordinator

Teens and tweens can learn healthy habits and how to stick with them through an innovative, fun new program offered by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina in partnership with Tidelands Health.

The Teens and Tweens Be Well program was developed in collaboration with Dr. Jill Aiken, pediatrics specialist with Tidelands Health. 

The Teens and Tweens Be Well program, funded by a grant from the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, is designed to improve overall health by instilling healthy eating and exercise habits through a custom course tailored to each participant’s unique needs.

After an initial assessment, participants attend classes selected for them, as well as nutrition classes. Progress during the 12-week program is tracked through mid-term and final assessments. Participants also are given the tools to help sustain the progress they make during the program.

The program is open to children ages 9 to 17 and is offered at Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA.

“Obesity is a growing problem in Georgetown and Horry counties,” Dr. Aiken said. “One third of school-aged children in South Carolina are overweight or have obesity. Some of the patients I encounter at Tidelands Health Pediatrics either don’t know they have the condition or need direction on how to improve their health. As the exclusive health system of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, we teamed with the YMCA to launch the Teens and Tweens Be Well program to help make a difference. Collaboratively, we are aiming to address the gaps in our community and help children develop healthy habits by offering this innovative program.”

The Teens and Tweens Be Well program is $250 and includes a three-month family membership to the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Scholarships through the YMCA’s financial assistance program are available to cover the costs of the membership and program. The first cohort started last month, with the next one scheduled to begin in January. 

“We are focusing on building sustainable healthy habits in the participants,” said Angie Hill, senior health and wellness director for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. “Each class will be a mix of education and fun designed to teach kids about nutrition and physical activity. Kids will play games teaching them how to identify healthy foods and participate in physical activities such as obstacle courses teaching fitness in a fun way. The activities will help them build lifelong healthy habits.”

For more information about the program, contact Tyler Wiggins, clinical exercise coordinator, at 843-979-0263 or [email protected].

Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The two organizations work collaboratively on programs to improve the health and wellness of our region.

### 

About the YMCA of Coastal Carolina

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is a local nonprofit with three branches in the Grand Strand area: Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA, Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, and Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA. Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of YMCA of Coastal Carolina. The YMCA mission is “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.” The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.coastalcarolinaymca.org

About Tidelands Health

Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.

Member Story of Hope & Possibility: Kathryn

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

Kathryn has been a member of the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA since 2022. While recovering from health impacts from COVID-19 and being a new resident of the area, Kathryn found a wonderful community at the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Kathryn says “My battle in regaining my health since COVID has been a long and sometimes painful one, however, Trish, Haywood, Michelle, Wes, and staff at this Y have helped me in this recovery more than I can tell you. I honestly don’t feel that I could have come this far without them.” The YMCA invests in you, your health, and your happiness! Kathryn says that joining the Y was “such a positive turning point in my life!” 

Here’s what she says:

Katheryn’s Story

I wanted to write to let the board of directors know what a blessing the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA is to Horry County.  

I moved to Myrtle Beach from Maryland in 2021/2022 after losing my partner, Steve, to COVID-19.  

We both became ill with it at the same time in January 2021. I was quite sick with symptoms that left me with a 30lb weight loss, extreme fatigue and other long hauler problems. I was so sick with severe headaches and awful joint pain that I thought I would never get well again. I could barely walk even short distances and became extremely weak. I was pretty much bedridden for 3 months. 

To make a long story short, my beloved partner passed away from COVID pneumonia in February 2021. My quality of life had already taken a huge low due to being sick with COVID; but, now losing my partner so suddenly devastated me.  

Several months later, I began the very slow and painful journey of getting better. As I became a little stronger, my brother, David, suggested I leave MD and move south to a better climate and where my month would go further.  

My brother brought me to Myrtle Beach in the summer of 2021 and I began looking for my forever home. I found a lovely condo at Magnolia Pointe and moved into it in January 2022.  

I continued my journey to regain as much of my health as possible. I slowly built up more strength and began walking 5-7 miles per day on the waterway and trails. I love to swim and was thrilled with I learned about the Clarie Chapin Epps Family YMCA; that it had a lap pool and a gym. Even better, it was within easy walking distance.  

I remember coming into the Y and how friendly and helpful the staff were. I was very happy to become a member! 

This was such a positive turning point in my life!  

I started swimming and using the gym. I signed up with Michelle who spent several sessions as my personal trainer. She worked on strength and balance exercises with me which I needed so much.  

Several months have passes since first joining this Y. My battle in regaining my health since COVID has been a long and sometimes painful one, However, Trish, Haywood, Michelle, Wes, and staff at this Y have helped me in this recovery more than I can tell you. I honestly don’t feel that I could have come this far without them.  

How far have I come? 

On April 16, 2023, I’m so happy to say that, at age 65, I ran my first ever 5K race, placing 5th out of 14 other women in the 60-69 age group!!  And I ran it in 34 minutes 45 seconds!! 

I never thought after being so sick that I would ever be able to do half that much. Thanks to Michelle’s working with me and to the fantastic staff, I did! 

I’m looking forward to continuing my membership at the Y and working on improving my health even more over time. 

I hope the Horry County government knows what an asset the Claire Chapin Epps YMCA is to this community; and all the good it does those, like me, in restoring and maintaining quality of life.  

I can’t express enough appreciation to everyone! 

Eating Healthy at Summer BBQs: You can do it!

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

by Gavin Ockert, Bank of America Student Leader

Summer is in full swing, and households across the country are hosting delicious barbecues with their friends and families. However, as any dieter knows, it can be difficult to stick to a healthy regiment at large events with lots of food that is normally considered unhealthy. Believe it or not, it’s easy to alter your typical barbecue to include foods that are good for you. There are many steps that you can take to ensure that your next barbecue is both fun and nutritious for everyone. 

1. Add Vegetables

Incorporating vegetables into a barbecue, for example, can make a big difference by changing what foods the guests put on their plates. According to the Penn State Extension, grilled vegetables are known to contain fiber, vitamins, potassium, and other nutrients that are important to any healthy diet. By increasing the number of vegetables at your barbecue, you can promote healthy eating styles and a good diet. Salads and fruits can also make great, healthy additions and are easy and cost-efficient to produce and provide. 

2. Make Healthy Swaps

Substituting “traditional” barbecue foods with healthier alternatives is another great way to make your barbecue more wholesome and nutritional. According to the CDC, sugar-sweetened drinks like sweet tea, which are common at barbecues, can cause obesity, heart disease, tooth decay, and more. Instead, consider offering water (seltzer, fruit-infused, etc.) as healthier options. Additionally, grilled chicken makes a great addition to the barbecue, as it fits in with other common meats while also providing its own health benefits. The American Heart Association says that chicken generally has fewer saturated fats than common red meats, making it an excellent alternative to the classic beef and pork cuts served at a barbecue. Even desserts can be substituted with fruits, which, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, reduce blood pressure and sugar intake. Hummus, pita bread, shrimp kebabs, guacamole—get creative with your menu items and spice things up to make your barbecues interesting and healthful. All in all, there are many different “food swaps” that will diversify your barbecue’s menu all while promoting a healthy diet for you and your guests. 

3. Stay Active

Staying active at the barbecue is a great way to encourage physical exercise while still encouraging people of all ages to have fun. Classic activities include cornhole, ring tosses, shuffleboard, football, horseshoes, Bocce ball, and volleyball. Even less-intensive activities promote coordination and dexterity, whereas more exhaustive sports will promote muscle and cardiovascular health. Aside from being physically beneficial, these kinds of events give guests something to connect over and will likely make them even more eager for food once they’ve burned some energy. 

Finally, maintaining good cleaning habits is essential for ensuring that your guests’ food is safe and delicious. The signature staple of a barbecue—the grill—can oftentimes be overlooked when cleaning up after a gathering because of the high temperatures that it is exposed to when it is used. However, harmful compounds can still build up on a grill over time, making a thorough grill scrub-down essential after any barbecue. Additionally, according to the American Heart Association, old chunks of food and residue from past barbecues can also cling to the grill, which is unsanitary and deleterious to the quality of food cooked during future grills. Consider using a grill griddle, which is easy to clean after a barbecue and prevents the flames from touching the food, reducing the risk of a carcinogen buildup in the meat. To ensure the health of your guests, be sure to clean your grill, in addition to silverware, plates, and other eating surfaces, between barbecues. 

It’s time to dispel the stigma that healthy eating isn’t fun; there are many ways to step up your barbecue game to ensure that your guests are not only eating to their heart’s content, but also displaying beneficial dietary habits along the way. Get creative when deciding what nutritional foods to use that will diversify your menu—you’ll find yourself grilling delicious, healthy meals while making fun memories with your family and friends. 

Popular Parkinson’s program expands to Myrtle Beach

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

Patricia Pahmeier of Myrtle Beach was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020. Over the next few years, she maintained her health through independent exercise. Then she found the YMCA of Coastal Carolina’s Power Thru Parkinson’s program.


“It gives us hope,” Pahmeier wrote in a letter to Tricia Harrison, director of the YMCA’s healthy living program.

Read the full article:

Popular Parkinson’s program expands to Myrtle Beach

Week 13 #HealthyHabits Challenge: Celebrate and Keep Going!

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

Our Week 13 Challenge is: Celebrate and keep going!!! You did it! You’ve completed your 90 day challenge and that is a reason for celebration.

It takes 90 days to build a habit.

You can keep going!

Prepare for roadblocks. Don’t let the roadblocks detour you. One thing – skipping a workout, overindulging in dinner – isn’t going to ruin your healthy habits. It’s all about balance and making better choices, consistently. 

Create your next plan. 

Reflect on what worked, what didn’t. create your plan for the next 90 days. 

Sign up for an event (5k) etc.  

Keep going! 

Week 12 #HealthyHabits Challenge: Walk 10,000 steps every day.

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

Our Week 12 Challenge is: Walk 10,000 steps every day.  

The CDC recommends at least 10,000 steps per day.

Dr. Gerald Harmon, vice president of medical affairs at Tidelands Health, says moderate and low-impact exercise such as walking, biking or swimming for about 20 minutes three time a week is all that’s needed to achieve valuable health benefits.  

“Walking is such great exercise,” he says. “You move your arms and legs and you work your lungs every time you take in a breath.” 

Ideas to add steps to your day

  • Take a walk after meals. Walking after each meal is a great way to burn calories while aiding in digestion. Taking short walks after your meal can help get in your steps for the day, as well as help lower your blood sugar levels. Start incorporating 5-minute walking after each meal this and see how you feel! 
  • Take a work walk. Rather than sit while you have a meeting, make it a walking meeting! Walk in person or on the phone with a coworker to be productive while you’re getting the healthy benefits of walking! 
  • Take short 5 and 10 minute walking breaks throughout the day. Get up! Get moving! You don’t have to move for 30 minutes all at the same time – research shows incremental movement throughout the day gives you the same health benefits.

 

Have a healthy week! 

Week 11 #HealthyHabits Challenge: Stretch for 15 minutes each day.

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

Week 11 Challenge:
Stretch for 15 minutes each day.

 

Hey there YMCA community! 

Stretching before exercise was once considered an inherent part of any good exercise routine.


But these days, that’s considered old-school thinking. Instead, health experts say it is best to stretch every day, whether or not you plan to work out.


Stretching is vitally important to help you move with ease as you age. Failing to stretch regularly can compromise flexibility, which can affect quality of life later on or result in injury during strenuous activity and exercise. 

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends stretching at least 2-3 times per week. However, adding just 15 minutes of stretching each day can improve flexibility, posture, and relaxation.

Have a healthy week! 

YMCA of Coastal Carolina sets kids up for success for summer at Healthy Kids Day

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

Free and open to the public, this annual event features a day of fun-filled activities to celebrate kids being kids.

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on April 29, 2023 from 10am – 1pm at all three branch locations in Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown. This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season.

About Healthy Kids Day

Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. For over 30 years, YMCAs across the country bring their members, kids, and community together by moving and learning, creating healthy habits they can continue while they’re away from the classroom during our annual Healthy Kids Day! Following a year filled with numerous changes and uncertainty, Healthy Kids Day is a reminder to families that we can help ensure all children have access to the key ingredients to reach their full potential, even during out-of-school time

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
  • Saturday, April 29, 2023
  • FREE
  • 10:00am – 1:00pm
  • All Three Locations: Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and Myrtle Beach

Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA Activities

  • Bounce Barn Inflatables
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Smoothie King Food Truck
  • HTC
  • Georgetown EMS (fire and rescue)
  • Sheriffs Dept.
  • DJ
  • Hugs for Horses
  • Love on a Leash
  • Humane Society
  • Games

Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA Activities

10 – 11 am: Kids Fit Medley including yoga, Zumba, drumming and more! 
11:15 am -12 pm:  Balance Bike Workshop
12:00 pm: Pickleball Clinic
 
  • Bounce Barn Inflatables
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Kids Yoga
  • Kids Zumba
  • Pickleball for kids
  • Toddler & preschool obstacle course

Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA Activities

  • Coastal Carolina University Women’s Soccer Team, Dance Team, Basketball Team, and Golf Team will teach soccer drills, dance routines, golf skills, and basketball drills
  • Family Zumba Classes
  • Generation POUND, a dancing drumsticks class
  • A Flying Disc Toss with Bobbie Ruswinckel 
  • Myrtle Beach Fire Department will set up an obstacle course
  • Myrtle Beach Police Department
  • Wonderworks
  • Palmetto Literacy Council
  • Freedom Readers 
  • EdVenture Myrtle Beach 
  • Bounce Barn Inflatables
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Laminated Child ID cards created and provide by NY Life Insurance Company

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Become a Sponsor

We also have community sponsorships available for businesses who would like to sponsor the event. All proceeds benefit financial assistance and programs for families in need at the Y.

Vendor Application

Come showcase your business in this fun filled community day event at the YMCA of Coastal Carolina!

Please submit your information to be considered to be a vendor at our Healthy Kids Day. We will follow up with you with details and a confirmation agreement!

VENDOR APPLICATION

YMCA of Coastal Carolina offers Parkinson’s disease management program

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

The Power Thru Parkinson’s program is expanding to Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in April

Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA offers a Power Thru Parkinson’s, a Parkinson’s disease management program. In April, this program will expand to the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach. 

The Power Thru Parkinson’s program is a 60-minute group exercise class offered to anyone with Parkinson’s Disease, parkinsonisms, or a movement disorder that will benefit from repeptitive, exaggerated, patterns of movement. Each class is composed of 10 to 12 exercises set up as stations ranging from strength training, balance and neuromotor training, as well as cardiovascular and stretching. 

Michelle Dowd, Clinical Services Director for the Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, explains, “To give you an idea of how we run each class, we begin with a ten minute full body warm-up. After we complete the warm-up we will get set at our station which runs for two minutes and 45-seconds and there is a 45-second water break between each one. Participants are frequently reminded to take a water break when they need it whether it is the specified break. Once we have completed our station work we end class with full body stretches and hand-eye coordination word games.” 

Incorporating exercise has been proven to improve motor disorders and nonmotor disorders in people with Parkinson’s Disease. Furthermore, providing the chance to take part in physical and cognitive exercises in a group setting challenges the person to use muscles, pathways, and expressions they may otherwise shy away from. 

Power thru Parkinson’s Demonstration Classes

  • March 20, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
  • March 27, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

The Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA will be launching the program in April. Community members with Parkinson’s are invited to join two demonstration classes to learn more about the program. Classes will be offered on March 20 and 27, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Community members interested in the Power Thru Parkinson’s program may call or visit the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA or the Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA for more information. The website is www.coastalcarolinaymca.org

Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA

5000 Claire Chapin Epps Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-449-9622

Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA

12965 Ocean Highway
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
843-237-2205

Eggland’s Best Shares Healthy Recipes During National Nutrition Month!

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

By Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN in partnership with Eggland’s Best

March is National Nutrition Month, and Eggland’s Best has provided us with recipes that highlight the importance of healthy meals and snacks to keep little ones energized throughout the day. Follow the directions below and enjoy!

OATMEAL SNACK BARS

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield/Total Servings: 16 snack bars

Ingredients:

  • 2 Eggland’s Best eggs
  • 1 mashed ripe banana (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a bowl, whisk Eggland’s Best eggs, mashed banana, maple syrup & vanilla. 
  3. In another bowl, mix together oats, flour, chocolate chips, baking powder, salt & cinnamon.
  4. Add the egg mixture (wet ingredients) to the oat mixture (dry ingredients) and stir.
  5. Spread batter into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until set in middle and golden around edges.
  7. Let cool and cut into 16 squares. 

Allergy Info: vegetarian, dairy-free, whole grain

Nutrition Info:

  • Serving size: 1 snack bar
  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 4.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Carbohydrate: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Added Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 3g

BREAKFAST EGG BOXES

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield/Total Servings: 5 breakfast boxes

Ingredients:

  • 5 Eggland’s Best eggs
  • 5 whole grain English muffin halves, toasted
  • 2.5 cups grapes
  • 5 ounces cheese, cut into cubes

Instructions

1. Add Eggland’s Best eggs to a pot of water and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes and remove eggs.

3. Put eggs into a bowl of ice-cold water for 2 minutes, peel and cut each in half.

4. Evenly split all the ingredients between 5 containers.

5. Cover containers and store in fridge for up to 5 days.

Additional Notes:

Time Saver: Use ready-to-eat Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs.

Fun Tip: Try other Breakfast Egg Box variations such as hard boiled EB egg + whole grain toast + orange wedges + almonds OR hard boiled EB egg + whole grain frozen waffle + strawberries + nut butter.

Allergy Info: vegetarian, no added sugar, whole grain

Nutrition Info:

  • Serving size: 1 breakfast box
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 205mg
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Carbohydrate: 29g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Added Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 18g

July 4th Hours 

8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Delayed Opening on Friday, Sept. 27th

 

Due to the impending Tropical Storm and potential weather conditions overnight, in order to keep our members and staff safe, all YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations will delay opening hours on Friday, September 27th, 2024.

  • Friday, September 27, 2024: All three YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will open at 10 a.m. 
     

Please stay safe and check our website for updates.

 

Updated Hours Today

We hope you and your family stayed safe during the storm. We will resume normal operations at all three YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations at 11 a.m. today. 

  • Thursday, August 31: All three center locations will reopen at 11 a.m.
  • Friday, September 1: All three center locations will be open during normal hours.
 24-hour access will be unavailable to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA during the times the center is closed but will resume as normal tonight.