The road less traveled: A Lowcountry man's 2,200-mile walk along the Appalachian Trail

Next spring, every morning for two months, Mitchell Tennison will wake up somewhere along the Appalachian Trail, collapse his tent and continue his 2,200-mile hike from Georgia to Maine with a small backpack, two walking sticks and a singular mission.

In the spring of 2011, when islanders will be reacquainting themselves with the beach, worrying about the Heritage, and watching comic-book movies, Mitchell Tennison will be hiking.

Every morning for two months, he’ll wake somewhere along the Appalachian Trail, fold his tent, pack his stuff, figure out which way is north and start walking. Depending on the cooperation of the weather and the woods, he’ll walk upwards of 30 miles a day, without benefit of rest days or weekends. He’ll break occasionally for water and snacks, and less occasionally for a cup of coffee and a flash-frozen meal. He’ll walk until further walking is precluded by weariness or dark, then veer a few hundred yards off the trail, unfold the tent and sleep until just before the sun breaks over the trees, at which point he’ll get up and continue walking.

Read more: The road less traveled: A Lowcountry man's 2,200-mile walk along the Appalachian Trail

'Helping and healing': How Dr. Howard Rankin can make you happy

Dr. Howard Rankin has become an authority on everything from brain-mapping to relationships to ... golf swings.

The only typical element in Dr. Howard Rankin’s psychology practice is the couch. Most people in his line of work have one, of course. But today, Rankin is the one sitting comfortably — feet propped up on the couch — talking about how his practice came to be.

The Rankin Center deals with relationship issues, addiction, Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety and a host of other issues. But the cutting-edge practice looks at each patient not just from the traditional angle, but through actual brain-mapping; Rankin delves into the neuroscience of brain function and balance, which can profoundly impact treatments. The center’s motto: “The Science of You.”

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Dr. Annette Thomas: A pediatric pixie

Dr. Annette “Pixie” Thomas of Palmetto Pediatrics of the Lowcountry has been an advocate for children’s health for almost 30 years. She has served as chief of pediatrics for Palmetto Health Richland Hospital and on the board of Coastal Carolina Hospital.

But contrary to what you might think, Thomas’ nickname — Pixie —did not come with her pediatric practice. “I was a premature baby,” she said. “When my dad saw me, he said, ‘Here’s our little pixie.’ It just stuck — probably because I never grew above five feet tall.”

Thomas put her medical knowledge to use early on. She was the first woman to have a child while in medical school at the University of South Carolina. “That’s my claim to fame,” she said. “At first I was petrified. But the dean was very understanding. I was lucky that my husband, family and friends were very supportive. With their help, we worked a schedule so that I was able to stay on track and graduate on time.” (Thomas’ daughter, Ashley, was born during her third year of medical school, and her son, Philip Jr., was born at the end of her residency.)

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: "Their No. 1 Concern"

Beaufort Memorial Hospital recently asked women in the Lowcountry which improvements they’d most like to see in local health care, and their response was clear, said Karen Carroll, vice president of patient care services for the hospital.

“Breast health was their No. 1 concern,” she said.

It’s a priority that makes sense, given the incidence and seriousness of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimated 254,650 women would be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. More than 40,000 of them were expected to die.

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Local physicians weigh in on immunizations

Research shows the benefits far outweigh the risks

In recent years, parents have heard conflicting and confusing stories about the potential risks of vaccines. But physicians at three respected Lowcountry pediatric practices — Seaside Pediatrics, Beaufort Pediatrics and Palmetto Pediatrics of the Low Country — see no conflict. They share the same view: Immunizations save lives. All three practices follow the recommended schedule from the Centers for Disease Control.

Dr. Francis Rushton of Beaufort Pediatrics and Dr. Annette Thomas of Palmetto Pediatrics offered their expert opinions on the benefits of immunizing children.

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Protect hair from summer sun

If you’re planning on hitting the beach or the pool a lot this summer, don’t forget to bring protection: Your hair conditioner.

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Get great-looking nails

Making a summer fashion statement isn’t solely wrapped around your waist as a sarong while wearing the trendiest swimsuit.

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Health clubs a great way to get in shape

Looking for exercise this summer? Wake up at 5 a.m., throw your running shoes on, stretch and pound the pavement around your neighborhood. Yes, that’s right. Five o’clock in the morning.

Read more: Health clubs a great way to get in shape