Together, the organizations will host free hour-long “Walk With A Doc” community walking sessions for interested individuals. Walkers of all ages and levels of fitness are welcome to attend, with the understanding that children should remain under the supervision of a parent or guardian while in attendance.
There is no cost or commitment for the program and participants can walk for as little or as long as they desire. Each walking session will include a blood pressure check from an exercise physiologist (if desired), a conversation with a board-certified physician about current health topics, and a complimentary healthy snack. Unique to the program is the opportunity to meet different physicians from the community, as doctors of varying specialties will be participating in the program.
“The benefits of regular exercise, even moderate exercise, are significant in reducing the risks of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and breast and colon cancer,” says Deb Stubbs, program coordinator and Health Center Director at Memorial Hospital. “Walking is a great form of exercise and we look forward to offering a fun group setting for people to lace up their shoes and walk to wellness.”
The next session will be held at Eljer Park on Friday, August 24th from 8:00am to 9:00am. Participants should meet at the small shelter near the basketball courts. For added fun, the first 50 new participants will receive a free t-shirt, water bottle, and pedometer. As the program evolves, additional locations in the community will likely be included.
It’s not necessary for participants to bring anything; they should simply be dressed appropriately for the weather and wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes. As the weather changes later this fall, the group will switch to an indoor location for the duration of the year. In the case of inclement weather, participants can call Memorial Hospital’s Health Center at (937) 578-2580 to learn if the session has been cancelled.
Walk With a Doc is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages, and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and wellbeing of the country.
A full list of session dates can be found on the classes and events calendar here or by calling Memorial Hospital’s Health Center at (937) 578-2580.
