South Carolina Bank and Trust introduced its new Wellness Program with a kick off walk in Columbia on Wednesday August 3 at the bank’s headquarters on Gervais Street. The new program, called the SCBT Movers & Shakers Program, is designed to help employees improve their lives physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.

“Our employees are our greatest asset,” said John Pollok, chief operating officer, SCBT. “We want to help them improve their lives by providing programs that encourage healthy habits in all areas of their lives.”

The purpose of the SCBT Movers & Shakers program is to promote a healthy lifestyle, to encourage employees to take better care of themselves, and to motivate employees to make small strides toward incorporating health and wellness into their lives.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle benefits employees in many ways including, overall general health improvement, weight loss, reduced illness, positive self–image, and less risk for serious health conditions.

Employees will have an intranet site that allows them to interact with others who are facing similar challenges, exchange heal-thy recipes, and highlight success stories. The site will also provide information and tips on self-improvement.

Participants can receive “SCBT Bucks” that can be exchanged for merchandise throughout the year to reward them for their efforts.

Employees who join the SCBT Movers & Shakers program will receive a pedometer to count their daily steps, a Wellness Guide, and a daily log book to keep a record of their progress.

Group walks in Orangeburg, Summerville, Lake City, Florence, Rock Hill, Beaufort, Greenville, Bamberg, St. George, Bluffton, Walterboro, Ridgeland, and Moncks Corner also were held at an earlier date.

South Carolina Bank and Trust, the 4th largest bank headquartered in South Carolina, is a subsidiary of SCBT Financial Corporation. Serving the needs of South Carolinians for over 70 years, SCBT Financial Corporation operates 36 financial centers in 12 South Carolina counties and has assets of approximately $1.6 billion. More information can be located at www.SCBandT.com.