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Published on October 11, 2023

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

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.

Dr. Jill Aiken“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 twiggins@coastalcarolinaymca.org.

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.

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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.