CHI St. Vincent, together with Hot Springs National Park, will host “Hike to Health,” a new seasonal wellness opportunity for the public. The free program will allow the public to learn more about Hot Springs and its national parks, while exercising and engaging with CHI St. Vincent health professionals. The first event held April 27 began at Whittington Park and featured CHI St. Vincent Cardiologist Jason Pelton, MD, who discussed the benefits of regular exercise on heart health.
“Hot Springs has a rich history of personal renewal and commitment to health,” CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs President Doug Ross, MD, said. “The public will not want to miss this event, which provides an exciting way to engage in history and learn more about health from CHI St. Vincent doctors while actively working to improve their health.”
During the “Hike to Health” series, Hot Springs National Park Rangers will offer a brief interpretive history talk, followed by the opportunity to speak with a local CHI St. Vincent health professional on rotating health topics. A one-to two-mile guided walk-and-talk will follow.
The “Hike to Health” program is a series that seeks to improve the overall health of Hot Springs and Garland County residents by strengthening their connection to community-based practitioners and public lands as a resource for exercise and recreation. The series stems from the National Park Service Healthy Parks Healthy People program.
An additional “Hike to Health” event will be held this spring, followed by two more in the fall. These events are free and open to the public, and registration is not required. To learn more about CHI St. Vincent or Hot Springs National Park, visit chistvincent.com or nps.gov.