Hot Springs National Park has partnered with CHI St. Vincent, a regional health network serving central and southwest Arkansas, to introduce a seasonal health promotion program series called “Hike to Health.” The first event of this series is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Whittington Park. (374 Whittington Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901)
Join park rangers and physicians from CHI St. Vincent to learn about the health benefits of outdoor physical activity and the unique public health history of Hot Springs National Park. The event will begin with a brief interpretive ranger talk, followed by discussions led by health professionals from the community about rotating health topics. After the discussions, participants will embark on a 1-2 mile “walk and talk” to put the concepts they’ve learned into action.
The inaugural “Hike to Health” event will feature Dr. Jason Pelton, an interventional cardiologist at the CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic in Hot Springs. Dr. Pelton will discuss the advantages of regular physical exercise for cardiovascular health.
The NPS Healthy Parks Healthy People program strongly influences the “Hike to Health” program series. It is a comprehensive approach to promoting the health and well-being of all living beings. The objective of “Hike to Health” is to enhance the overall health of residents of Hot Springs and Garland County by fostering their connection to community-based health practitioners and public lands as a resource for regular healthy recreation. An additional “Hike to Health” event will be conducted later this spring, and two more will follow in the fall. These events are free and open to the public, and people of all ages are welcome to participate. No registration is required.
(Top photo of Whittington Park courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism)
