Kirk McMinn knew he wanted to make the most of life after a cardiovascular procedure a few years ago. When he saw a flier at his doctor’s office about Tidelands Health’s “A Walk in the Garden” program, he was intrigued.

“My wife and I thought it was a great idea,” says McMinn. “I’m 80 years old, and I just want to enjoy life as much as I can.”

Through a collaboration between Tidelands Health and Brookgreen Gardens, eligible patients like McMinn receive a free 30-day pass to the gardens, giving them a prescription—not for medicine, but for movement. The goal is simple: inspire patients to improve their health by walking.

Studies show increasing your daily steps to 8,000 lowers mortality risk by 51 percent and reaching 12,000 steps reduces the risk by 65 percent.

“For the patients who do this, it really stimulates them to get family and friends to join them in exercising,” says Dr. William Jackson Epperson, a family medicine physician at Tidelands Health Family Medicine at Prince Creek.

To be eligible to receive a walking prescription, an individual must be a patient at a Tidelands Health practice, at least 40 years old, not physically active and have one or more cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes.

McMinn and other patients can choose their own path through Brookgreen Gardens or follow designated trails ranging from under a mile to 2.2 miles, enjoying nature and art along the way.

“Brookgreen Gardens has so much artwork, so many programs to learn about nature,” McMinn says. “And, of course, while you’re enjoying all of that, you’re getting exercise, and you don’t even realize it.”

Dr. Epperson says he encourages all of his patients to exercise several days a week. Regular walking can improve cardiovascular and lung function, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, help manage high blood pressure and cholesterol and even aid with weight loss.

“Every day I see the mental health effects of this, too,” says Dr. Epperson. “When you’re exercising, you feel better physically and mentally.”

After the 30-day pass to Brookgreen Gardens expires, patients can purchase an annual membership at a discounted rate. As with all prescriptions, providers will determine if a walking prescription is appropriate for a patient.

“It’s an opportunity that everyone should take advantage of, if they can,” says McMinn.