Event highlighted by inspiring speakers and healthy lifestyle seminars

The 12th annual Health Ministry Empowerment Tour continues Saturday, Oct. 5 at Conway Middle School in Conway, S.C. This free event offers health screenings, educational workshops and fun activities.  It is the second of three stops on the tour’s mission to help women make one small change toward improving their mind, body and spirit. IMARA Woman is joined by First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina and AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership (ACP) in presenting South Carolina women with inspiration and useful health information. Select Health is part of AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies. AmeriHealth Caritas is a majority-owned subsidiary of Independence Blue Cross; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan holds a minority interest.

“The Health Ministry Empowerment Tour is designed to educate and inspire and serve as a catalyst for healthy living,” said Cindy Helling, executive director of Select Health, which offers First Choice, the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid health plan. “It aligns perfectly with our mission to help people get care, stay well and build healthy communities.”

The event, which runs from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., also includes a fashion show, door prizes and entertainment. A complimentary lunch will be highlighted by featured speaker Ernestine Pringle, who will deliver a no-nonsense message about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Pringle, a wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur and South Carolina pastor, will speak on the importance of "one small change," the theme of this year's tour. She will share her personal perspective as a diabetes survivor and relay how an open mind can lead to positive change and make a significant difference in a person’s health and overall happiness.

A dozen workshops will be offered and participants may attend up to two. Featured titles include “Why Taking Your Medication Matters,” which emphasizes the importance of filling and taking prescription medications every day and “Make Me Over Eb!” with Ebony “Eb” Looney, a budding style guru who will present tips on make-overs and style.

“Matriarchs are often primary caregivers who make health and lifestyle decisions for entire households,” said Maria Pajil Battle, president of ACP. “Everyone benefits when a caregiver commits to making one small change to improve their own health as well as the well-being of those around them. Positive changes, whether physical, emotional, dietary or related to appearance, can lead to dramatic improvements in health and quality of life,” adds Battle.

Founded in 2011 by AmeriHealth Caritas as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the ACP addresses health and health care disparities through community health initiatives that promote prevention and the health status of vulnerable populations. ACP currently focuses its outreach efforts in three areas:  safe playgrounds, children with asthma and their caregivers and health ministry.

Advance registration is required and space is limited, so guests are asked to sign up early for this popular community event at www.imarawoman.com or by calling (803) 252-0647. The first tour stop was held in Bishopville, S.C. on Sept. 7 and the final stop is scheduled at Eau Claire High School in Columbia, S.C. on Oct. 26.

Select Health of South Carolina Mission: To help people get care, stay well and build healthy communities.

ABOUT SELECT HEALTH
Incorporated in 1995, Select Health was licensed as a Health Maintenance Organization by the South Carolina Department of Insurance in 1996. Later that year, the company contracted with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to offer First Choice, the state’s oldest and largest health plan for Healthy Connections, South Carolina’s Medicaid program. First Choice currently serves more than 266,000 members in all 46 counties.

Select Health is dedicated to providing access to high quality health care. In 2011 and 2012, Select Health received the National Committee of Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Excellent Accreditation, and the company also holds NCQA’s Multicultural Health Care Distinction. First Choice by Select Health is the highest nationally ranked (#42) health plan for Healthy Connections, according to NCQA's Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2012-2013. (Note: The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) uses other criteria for evaluating and ranking the performance of health plans serving Medicaid beneficiaries. To view these results, please visit www.scdhhs.gov/reports-statistics).

Select Health is a wholly-owned member of AmeriHealth Caritas, one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for the underserved, which serves nearly 5 million members nationwide.

ABOUT AMERIHEALTH CARITAS PARTNERSHIP
AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership was established in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Dedicated to implementing health initiatives that foster disease prevention and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities, the AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership is devoted to serving the needs of America's most vulnerable people.

ABOUT IMARA WOMAN MAGAZINE
IMARA Woman Magazine is a 13-year-old lifestyle and personal-growth publication for women. The magazine is published by Wendy and Paul Brawley and is based in Columbia, S.C.