When is a walk more than just a walk? When it’s led by local doctors and clinicians and brings together participants from all walks of life!
Coffey Health System invites you to join in its fourth annual “Walk with a Doc,” an eight-week program that brings providers and patients together for weekly walks. Each event begins with a brief talk by a CHS provider.
Walks begin at 5 p.m. every Wednesday from May 1 through June 19. This year, four Saturday walks will take place at the Burlington High School track, starting at 9 a.m. on May 18, June 1, 15, and 29.
Registration is not required. Participation is free and open to all ages and fitness levels.
“It’s great to see multiple generations on the track,” Jones said. “The best part is that everyone walks at their own pace to achieve their goals.”
Strollers are allowed. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pets are not allowed in the track area.
“This program has had tremendous participation and success in hundreds of cities around the world, and we’re very proud that CHS’s program is one of the top in the state,” said CHS Chief Medical Officer John Shell, M.D. “It’s an exciting and simple program that has shown improved health results for countless people nationwide. We all need to get outside and become more active, and this is a great way to start.”
Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation. It promotes physical activity and raises awareness about health concerns.
Participants will enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating walk with a CHS provider and other healthcare professionals who can provide support to participants and answer questions about exercise and nutrition during the walk.
Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio, started walking with a Doc. He has walked with patients and community members every weekend since 2005. More than 500 chapters now span the globe, including 18 Kansas locations.
“Walk with a Doc is honored to team up with Coffey Health System. By incorporating this program into the practice, Coffey Health System is demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to their community,” said Dr. Sabgir. “Adding ten minutes of walking to your daily routine and swapping out bad fats with good fats at mealtime are examples of small, easy changes that can make a big difference in the health of your heart.”
Why walk?
The CDC estimates about 80 percent of premature cases of heart disease and stroke are preventable and encourages changes like stepping up physical activity or eating a heart-healthy diet. Further, the American Heart Association estimates that if Americans ate the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables every day, nearly 40,000 deaths would be prevented from cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes each year.
“Increasing exercise, even moderately, may help reduce the risks of many diseases, including coronary heart disease and Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Shell. “We are excited to kick off our third year with Walk with a Doc and to help our community more easily find opportunities for physical activity.”
Learn more about Walk with a Doc at www.coffeyhealth.org or www.walkwithadoc.org.