Event highlighted by inspiring speakers and healthy lifestyle seminars

The 13th annual Health Ministry Empowerment Tour begins Saturday, Sept. 6, at Berkeley High School in Moncks Corner, marking its first ever visit to Berkeley County. This free event offers health screenings, educational workshops and fun activities. IMARA Woman magazine is joined by First Choice by Select Health and AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership in presenting South Carolina women with a day of inspiration and useful health information. Select Health is part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies.

“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. - 2:15 p.m., will also include a fashion show, door prizes and entertainment. A complimentary heart-healthy lunch will feature a presentation by author, playwright and inspirational speaker Kiwan N. Fitch, who will deliver a no-nonsense message about healthy living. Since 1997, Fitch has worked with people experiencing issues with domestic violence, adult and children’s mental health, incarceration as well as family/community organizations. She is employed by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

Nearly a dozen workshops will be offered and participants may attend up to two. Featured titles include “Weight Management: Make Every Calorie Count” with featured speaker Dr. Kirt Caton, a board certified family medicine physician and “Healthy Eating Can Taste Great,” a heart-healthy cooking demonstration and tasting session.

Workshops: Age Ain’t Nothin’ But a Number! Ask the Doctor Exercise in Disguise: Zumba! Healthy Eating Can Taste Great Help To Stay in Your Home It’s New and You Need to Know: Youth Alcohol & Drug Trends Let’s Be BLUNT!: The What, Why, Who and How of Marijuana Living the Love Lifestyle Prepare to Care: A Guide to Help Care for a Loved One S.C. Witness Project: Witnessing to Save Lives Weight Management: Make Every Calorie Count

“Matriarchs are often primary caregivers who make health and lifestyle decisions for entire households,” said Maria Pajil Battle, president of the AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership. “Everyone benefits when a caregiver improves their own health and this day is dedicated to them. Positive changes, whether physical, emotional, dietary or related to appearance, can lead to dramatic improvements in health and quality of life.”

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

Advance registration for the Tour is required, and space is limited. Participants are asked to sign up early at http://www.imarawoman.com/tour/index.html or by calling (803) 252-0647. Additional tour stops are scheduled Oct. 4 at Newberry College in Newberry and Oct. 25 at the St. John Holistic Wellness Center in Hopkins.

Those taking part in morning blood screenings at the event are asked to avoid eating or drinking anything except water after midnight. Comfortable clothes and shoes are also suggested.

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, which is now the state’s oldest and largest health plan for Healthy Connections, South Carolina’s Medicaid program. First Choice serves members in all 46 counties statewide.

Select Health is dedicated to providing access to high quality health care. First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina is the highest nationally ranked health plan for South Carolina Healthy Connections at #40 on the National Committee of Quality Assurance’s (NCQA's) Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2013-2014. (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 also holds NCQA’s Multicultural Health Care Distinction.

Select Health is a wholly-owned member of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies.

ABOUT AMERIHEALTH CARITAS PARTNERSHIP The AmeriHealth Caritas Partnership, a 501(c)(3) public charity, addresses health and health care disparities by expanding current health promotion programs to locations across the country. These evidence-based, award winning initiatives educate vulnerable communities about the importance of promoting healthy choices and adopting healthy lifestyles.  For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritaspartnership.org.

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, South Carolina.