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Published on January 27, 2020

Tidelands Health to offer walking prescriptions at Brookgreen Gardens

Walking is just what the doctor ordered – literally.

Tidelands Health Family Medicine practices across the region are helping eligible patients get more physical activity through “A Walk in the Garden,” a new and unique collaboration between Tidelands Health and Brookgreen Gardens.

Just as they write prescriptions for medication, providers can now offer qualifying patients a walking program prescription – redeemable for a free, 30-day pass to Brookgreen Gardens.

“The benefits of regular exercise through walking are proven. It can do wonders for your overall health,” said Dr. James Turek, a family medicine physician at Tidelands Health. “Having a prescription to walk through and explore beautiful Brookgreen Gardens offers a great incentive for patients to take the first step toward better health.”

A Walk in the Garden at Brookgreen GardensTo be eligible to receive a walking prescription, an individual must be a patient at a Tidelands Health Family Medicine practice, at least 40 years old, not physically active and have one or more cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes. As with all prescriptions, providers will determine if a walking prescription is appropriate for a patient.

Patients can choose their own walking path at Brookgreen Gardens or select from four walking trails - ranging in length from less than a mile to 2.2 miles – outlined in a map they receive when redeeming their prescription.

At the end of the 30 days, patients will have the option to purchase a Brookgreen Gardens annual pass at a discounted rate.

“We’re excited to partner with Tidelands Health on this innovative program, and we hope this opportunity helps patients begin a regular walking routine and get on track to better health,” said Page Kiniry, president and CEO of Brookgreen Gardens. “Our gardens are a beautiful, stimulating backdrop for daily exercise and stress relief.”

Sedentary lifestyles can lead to a number of usually avoidable conditions and even death. Nearly 13,700 people worldwide die every day because of a sedentary lifestyle. Regular walking has been proven to improve overall health by helping increase heart and lung fitness, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve management of conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol and even help lead to weight loss.

In addition to A Walk In the Garden, Tidelands Health offers numerous walking programs and initiatives across the region. Walk With a Doc is a free, physician-led community walking program held monthly in Myrtle Beach. The health system has developed walking trails around Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital. And Tidelands Health regularly sponsors community walks and runs such as the Bridge2Bridge Run, the Race for the Inlet and the Surfside Beach Turkey Trot.

A Walk in the Garden is part of an ongoing partnership between Tidelands Health and Brookgreen Gardens to get residents moving. Tidelands Health sponsors the walking trails at Brookgreen Gardens, and the two organizations team up each year to present “Night of a Thousand Steps,” a family fun walk through the garden’s holiday lights.

For more information on A Walk in the Garden, call 1-866-TIDELANDS to schedule an appointment at a Tidelands Health Family Medicine practice near you.

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 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.