HabitNu Expands Diabetes Prevention Program Network in Charleston, SC, as Part of Multi-Year CDC Agreement

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CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HabitNu, a leader in preventive health, has expanded its Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) network in Charleston, SC, as part of a $12.5 million, five-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Awarded in June 2023, this agreement supports HabitNu’s mission to create a nationwide, inclusive diabetes prevention network, bridging healthcare providers, community organizations, and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) services to advance health equity.

Recognized by the CDC to Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes
Recognized by the CDC to Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes

HabitNu’s expansion in Charleston marks a major milestone toward the company’s goal of building a connected ecosystem for individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes. Since the start of the above initiative, HabitNu has launched collaborative networks in nine states and plans to reach 20 by the end of the award period. Charleston’s DPP network includes local providers such as Healthy Plate Living, the Medical University of South Carolina, Summerville YMCA, Phit4Lyfe Integrative Health, Círculos de Bienestar, Wellness Five, and Lowcountry Street Grocery, with additional partnerships on the horizon.

As a CDC-recognized Umbrella Hub, HabitNu equips DPP providers with essential resources, including best practice guidance for participant recruitment, program delivery, billing, and a comprehensive suite of digital tools. These tools encompass referral management, coach support, participant engagement, data reporting, and a billing module that streamlines claims for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans.

“We’re thrilled to work with Charleston’s DPP providers to combat type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Sindhu Rajan, CEO of HabitNu. “Our Umbrella Hub empowers local providers to deliver high-quality, evidence-based diabetes prevention services and supports sustainable, long-term outcomes for the community.”

“We are excited to partner with HabitNu in this innovative initiative,” said Margaret Peck, founder of Healthy Plate Living. “Being part of the HabitNu Umbrella Hub enables us to serve our community better, expand our reach, and improve patient outcomes. HabitNu’s team approach helps us build a sustainable network that can continue providing essential diabetes prevention services.”

“Partnering with HabitNu has been transformative for our diabetes prevention program and our mission to build healthier, stronger communities,” said Stacy Varvel, Executive Director of the Summerville YMCA. “While we’ve provided the DPP for several years, the HabitNu platform has enabled us to expand our reach, simplify our processes, and stay connected with participants in ways we’ve never imagined. With the support of HabitNu’s dedicated team, we can continue to deliver high-quality, consistent care that motivates participants and strengthens their commitment to long-term health. Together, we are creating a more resilient, healthier community, one individual at a time.”

About HabitNu
HabitNu delivers scalable, evidence-based programs to prevent and manage chronic conditions like prediabetes and diabetes. HabitNu’s platform enables flexible DPP delivery (online, in-person, or through distance learning) and integrates SDOH services, supporting referrals to connect participants with essential resources. As a CDC-recognized Umbrella Hub, HabitNu partners with healthcare systems, employers, payers, and community-based organizations to improve health outcomes and advance health equity.

Media Contact:
Vernon Mathias
(312) 566-7871
386336@email4pr.com

SOURCE HabitNu

The Shop Around the Corner: 5 Of the Most Enchanting Florists in Charleston County

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By Mark A. Leon

Florals have such a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. They provide fragrance, color, calmness and beauty. Used for special occasions, symbols of love and respect or just a way to bring a smile. We have a deep appreciation for our Charleston County florists.

Here are 5 exception local businesses that brighten our daily lives:

  1. Tiger Lily Florist
    • 2 Area Locations: 131 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403 and 1614 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
    • Services: Delivery, curbside pickup, same-day delivery.
    • Official Website
    • Instagram
  2. The Flower Cottage
    • Location: 31 Elizabeth St, Charleston, SC 29403
    • Services: Delivery, in-store pickup, same-day delivery.
    • Official Website
    • Instagram
  3. The Greenery Florist
    • Location: 240 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401
    • Services: Delivery, curbside pickup, same-day delivery.
    • Official Website
    • Instagram
  4. La Belle Fleur
    • Location: 734 Sinlea Ave, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
    • Services: Delivery, curbside pickup, same-day delivery.
    • Official Website
    • Instagram
  5. Roadside Blooms
    • Location: 4491 Durant Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
    • Known for unique arrangements and exceptional customer service.
    • Official Website
    • Instagram

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The Greenery Florist

The Flower Cottage

Javalicious: 5 Standout Coffee Shops in North Charleston, South Carolina

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By Mark A. Leon

A great coffee shop goes far deeper than just the caffeinated libations that get us through the day. A neighborhood coffee shop is about community, warmth, hospitality, energy, a sense of belonging and a nurturing place to be open creatively whether it be the arts or meaningful conversation.

Here are 5 coffee shops in North Charleston that embody all the wonderful qualities of an inviting culture, great coffee and treats to warm the soul:

  • Orange Spot Coffee: Known for its cozy atmosphere and great coffee, this shop serves breakfast and lunch options. Located at 1011 E Montague Ave, this popular spot is right in the heart of amazing Park Circle neighborhood. Follow them on Instagram

  • Odd Duck Market: This highly-rated spot combines coffee with a breakfast and lunch menu along with a grocer and artisan marketplace. Located at 1082 E Montague Ave in Park Circle, Odd Duck has indoor and outdoor seating, pet friendly and vegan options. Follow on Instagram

  • The Coffee House: Located at 3620 Ashley Phosphate Rd Ste 2, North Charleston, SC 29420 is known for incredible hospitality, mouth-watering made to order breakfast sandwiches, and cozy super friendly atmosphere.

  • Prophet Coffee: Praised for its cozy vibe and vegan options, you will find this gem at 4411 Spruill Avenue. Savanna & Bryson Purcell started this business in March of 2023. After a major career shift, they decided to try their luck at a mobile coffee van. It grew pretty fast, and they haven’t looked back since. Good things come to those who grind. Follow on Instagram

  • Lodi Coffee: Drive-Thru Specialty Coffee that offers Matcha, Frapps & Bites 🥐 on the go
    and has been Voted Top 20 Coffee Shops in North America is a fan favorite in North Charleston. Located at 2210 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406, this is a perfect spot to grab coffee and treats right as you head to Highway 26. Follow on Instagram

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Odd Duck Market

Savanna & Bryson Purcell – Owners Prophet Coffee

6 Great Ethnic Restaurants in North Charleston, South Carolina that will leave you wanting more

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North Charleston is a melting pot of diversity and a spectrum of cultural and ethnic diversity. Here are 6 great ethnic restaurants that will satisfy your hunger in North Charleston, South Carolina

  • Istanbul Shish Kabob (4940 Centre Pointe Dr suite c, North Charleston, SC 29418): A casual Middle Eastern spot offering authentic dishes like kebabs and salads. It provides a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating. Follow on Instagram

  • Baba Kabob Market and Deli (4952 Centre Pointe Dr suite 110, North Charleston, SC 29418): This Middle Eastern cafe combines grocery items with prepared foods like falafel and shawarma. Follow on Instagram

  • Caribbean Delight (3309 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405): Known for its Jamaican cuisine, this restaurant features a tropical vibe with dishes like meat curries and fish stews.

  • Dashi (1262 Remount Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406): A trendy spot serving Mexican dishes with a fusion twist. We had to add that their brunch breakfast burrito is heavenly. Follow on Instagram

  • Platia Greek Goodness (5060 Dorchester Rd suite 230, North Charleston, SC): This Greek restaurant offers a range of Mediterranean dishes. Follow on Instagram

Related: 6 Great Latin American Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina

Related: My 3 Sons Soul Food – North Charleston, South Carolina

Caribbean Delight

Dashi

Platia Greek

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse

Charleston’s Hotel Bennett to Transform to a Holiday Winter Wonderland

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Tis the season at Hotel Bennett, where Charleston’s luxury hotel transforms into an enchanting destination filled with love, sweetness, and cherished memories. The holidays start early with a calendar full of festive activities the whole family can enjoy.

On November 23, the hotel unveils its iconic life-size gingerbread house by renowned French pastry chef Rémy Fünfrock and Chef Renee Fonseca, and Camellias’ signature Tea with Santalaunches on November 29 featuring seasonal delights.

On December 5, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Gabrielle Plaza.  

Get crafty! On December 10, local wreath artist Lucie Kulze leads a holiday wreathmaking workshop. On December 14, join local artisan Amy Brekke as she leads an ornament painting workshop. On December 15, local artisan Andrea Davis of Motherland Essentials leads a festive candle-making class.

Feel the holiday spirit with special performances by The Charleston Caroling Company on December 12 and Ashley Hall’s elementary school choirs on December 19. 

Warm hearts on December 15, Charleston Animal Society is hosting a special Deck the Paws Dog Adoption Event on Gabrielle Plaza. 

Get festive and fun at Fiat Lux’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on December 18, when the best (or worst!) holiday sweater wins prizes, a live DJ spins holiday beats, and a joyful celebration takes place under the stars. 

On December 23, indulge in a buffet of sweet and savory breakfast favorites with Breakfast with Santa and finish the evening with carols, classic tales, and a mug of hot cocoa on The Night Before Christmas Eve.

The fun continues with dinner at Gabrielle. Offered on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, guests will have an extraordinary culinary experience featuring an exclusive Christmas Dinner prix fixe menu, meticulously curated for the most magical time of the year.

The festive season wraps up on New Year’s Eve with a multi-course prix fixe dinner at Gabrielle.

And for out-of-town guests, Hotel Bennett offers a Home Sweet Hotel Bennett package, bringing the magic to each room with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and festive ornaments. And to make their stay even sweeter, enjoy complimentary valet parking and a special Hotel Bennett keepsake ornament to commemorate the holiday getaway.

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Former Summerville, South Carolina Mayor Wiley Johnson has passed away

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It is with sadness that we report that Former Summerville, South Carolina Mayor Wiley Johnson has passed away.

The Town of Summerville announced on their Instagram:

Former Mayor Wiley Johnson, who served the Town of Summerville from 2016 to 2019, passed away on November 14. 

At last night’s council meeting, Mayor Touchberry and the Town Council observed a moment of silence in his honor. 

In tribute to his contributions to the community, flags at all town buildings will be flown at half-staff until the conclusion of Mayor Johnson’s funeral.

Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to the community of Summerville and the family of Wiley Johnson.

Introducing Direct Flights to Bermuda from Charleston, SC starting April, 2025

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Charleston International Airport is thrilled to welcome Bermuda Air as our newest airline, launching nonstop flights from CHS to Bermuda (BDA) starting April 2025! This is the second international route this year for CHS.

This new route is your passport to pink sands, turquoise waves, and endless adventure.

Other direct flights to Bermuda being introduced are from Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) and Hartford, CT (BDL)

Click HERE to book your next trip to Bermuda Today!

Related: Direct flights to Los Angeles (LAX) on Breeze

Related: United Adding New Flights from CHS to Houston, TX

Related: Direct flights service from CHS to Cleveland, OH

Related: Nonstop flights from Charleston, SC to Toronto, CA

4 Local Charleston, South Carolina Restaurants/Bars/Pubs with Affordable Drinks and Food and Electric Vibes

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In Charleston, South Carolina we have a number of great bars and pubs with vibrant energy as well as affordable drinks and food. We would love to give a shoutout to four locations (across various parts o the peninsula) where locals go to unwind without flattening the wallet.

  • Recovery Room Tavern (685 King St, Charleston, SC 29403): Known for its cheap beer and lively atmosphere, with happy hour specials, the Recovery Room breaks all the rules for fun. With theme nights, drink specials and a raw sense of humor that would make Monty Python blush, the Rec Room is a place to be your self and maybe make a new friend. Did we mention they are the number #1 seller of PBR in the nation!

  • The Griffon (18 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401): A cozy British pub offering cheap beer/food and a casual vibe. Let us tell you, the food is satisfying especially the Reuben. Once you walk in, you will see dollar bills from the ceiling to the floor with messages from all around the world. At the bar is a zest for London, an old time dart board by the restrooms and a yearning to watch a Premier League match or Ted Lasso.

  • Big John’s Tavern (251 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401): This dive bar features handcrafted drinks at reasonable prices, solid and dependable food and a rich tradition in Charleston. Recently revamped, Big John’s has a new look, but the same traditional feel of welcomeness and community.

  • Moe’s Crosstown Tavern (714 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403): Offers cheap drinks and food in a relaxed setting. Though the setting is relaxing, expect it to be crowded with locals a lot. This is a true neighborhood bar. That is hard to comprehend in a city known for tourism, but Moe’s nailed it. We cannot emphasize enough how great their sandwiches are.

If you truly want to be local, meet some down to earth good folk and have a few pints, sandwich, salad or fries, you will never go wrong with these 3 spots.

P.S. They spots are frequented by food & beverage workers, so if you meet one, you are in for some great storytelling.

Related: 6 Places to Get Great Fries in Charleston, South Carolina

Related: 5 Great Dive Bars in Charleston, South Carolina

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Big John’s Tavern

OhmIQ, Inc. expands Charleston County operations

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$1.1 million investment will create 21 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – OhmIQ, Inc. (OhmIQ), a world leader in ohmic conduction technology development and licensing, today announced the expansion of its Charleston County operations. The company’s $1.1 million investment will create 21 new jobs. 

With its patented ohmic heating technology, OhmIQ delivers an innovative and sustainable method for electrically heating liquids and other substances rapidly and uniformly by passing electricity through the liquid itself. The company licenses this technology to businesses in various industries including food and beverage, chemical processing, and textiles, enabling increased productivity and competitiveness.

OhmIQ’s new 10,000-square-foot facility, located at 3860 Faber Place Drive in North Charleston, will serve as the company’s global headquarters and research and development center.

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the OhmIQ team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“OhmIQ couldn’t think of a better place to grow our operations than in the Charleston market. Given the high number of qualified engineers and other professionals, its ease to travel to, and its very attractive environment, North Charleston is a perfect place for our domestic and international clients to visit and support our R&D team.” -OhmIQ, Inc. CEO Frederique Pirenne

“Congratulations to OhmIQ, Inc. on its continued success in Charleston County. We are proud of the opportunities OhmIQ’s expansion will provide for our people and look forward to the impact this will have in the region.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“We are excited to see OhmIQ, Inc. expanding and investing $1.1 million in Charleston County. This announcement is yet another testament to our state’s highly skilled workforce and business-friendly environment, which make it possible for innovative technology companies like OhmIQ to thrive.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“OhmIQ’s innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize industries and positively impact our environment through energy efficiency. We welcome the company’s expansion in North Charleston and look forward to their continued growth and success.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • OhmlQ, Inc. (OhmlQ) is expanding its Charleston County operations.
  • The company’s $1.1 million investment will create 21 new jobs.
  • OhmlQ is a world leader in ohmic conduction technology development and licensing.
  • The company is located at 3860 Faber Place Drive in North Charleston, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the OhmlQ team should visit the company’s careers page

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Charleston and South Carolina Historic Political Facts

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We made it through Election Day.

In the spirit of Election Day, we would like to share some interesting Charleston and South Carolina political facts to help broaden your knowledge of our great land.

Charleston and South Carolina Historic Political Facts:

  • In 1670, settlers arrived at the Ashley River and established a settlement on its west bank, which they named Charles Town in honor of Charles II.  City Assembly established tax-supported free library in that year as well.
  • South Carolina was the 8th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on May 23, 1788.
  • In 1712, the territory of Carolina was divided into North and South; each having its own governor.
  • By 1730, 2/3 of the colony were made up of people of African decent.
  • In 1782, British forces were defeated and Charles Town was regained by the colonists.
  • 1783, Charles Town is renamed Charleston.
  • In the 1820′ South Carolinian John C. Calhoun developed the theory of nullification, by which a state could reject any federal law it considered to be a violation of its rights.
  • In 1861, South Carolina become the first state to secede from the Union.
  • The first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861 at Fort Sumter in the Charleston Harbor.
  • Famous political figures born in South Carolina include Senator Strom Thurmond and Jesse Jackson.
  • Charlestonian, Henry Middleton, was chosen president of the First Continental Congress in 1774. His plantation, Middleton Place, was home to three more generations of prominent South Carolina politicians and is now a carefully preserved National Historic Landmark.
  • Along with Henry Middleton, John and Edward Rutledge, Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden were also named delegates to First Continental Congress.
  • In 1776, Charles Town was named the state capital.  The state capital was moved to Columbia in 1786.
  • For one week in May of 1791, President George Washington, America’s “Founder” and “Father” visited Charleston, SC.
  • In 1869, Joseph Rainey first African-American in South Carolina to become U. S. Representative.
  • A Charleston Judge, J. Watis Waring, dissented from a Federal District Court decision upholding the “separate but equal” doctrine in Briggs v. Elliott in 1951. His dissenting opinion was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court when it ruled in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.
  • In 1963, Rivers High School in Charleston became first racially integrated high school in South Carolina.
  • A state court decision in 1947 opened the Democratic primaries to African-American voters.
  • South Carolina’s legislature has a senate with 46 members and a house of representatives with 124 members. The state sends two senators and seven representatives to the U.S. Congress and has nine electoral votes.
  • From 1876 to 1975 all the state’s governors were Democrats, and South Carolina was part of the “Solid South.”

Enjoy this mornings history and fact lesson.