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 area residents to join in its second annual “Walk with a Doc,” a six-week program that brings providers and patients together for twice-weekly walks.
From May 22-July 3 (excluding May 29), participants will gather on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Burlington High School track. In inclement weather, the walk will move to the Burlington Recreation Center. Participation is free and open to all ages. Registration is not required.
Last summer, an average of 48 participants—of all ages and experience—hit the track each walk. For some participants, like Sara Grogg, the program provided motivation for a lifestyle change.
“Walk With a Doc for one hour a week, get some relevant medical advice, see some old friends, make some new friends, and get a little exercise—it’s worth your time and effort,” Grogg said. “For me, it became much more than that. I recently retired and have the temptation to spend my days ‘relaxing’. Walk With a Doc (gave me) the incentive to get me out of my chair and moving nearly every day.”
For Diana Thomsen, it was a family experience.
“My daughter and I went to the first one and were hooked. It was great to learn something from one of the providers. We then got to walk with family and friends and talk and laugh with the benefit of getting some exercise.”
Ramping up the schedule to two walks per week can achieve two goals.
“By finishing the program at the end of June, we hope to avoid some of the stifling heat we encountered last year,” said Coffey Health System Director of Marketing Tracy Campbell “The increased frequency can also help participants develop better exercise habits.”
Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation. Walk with a Doc promotes physical activity and stepping up awareness about health concerns.
Each walk is open to the community. Walkers 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.
Coffey Health System is participating through a partnership with the Kansas Hospital Association.
Walk with a Doc was started by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. 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 CHS Chief Medical Officer John Shell, M.D. “We are excited host Walk with a Doc again and help our community more easily find opportunities for physical activity.”