L+M’s Walk with a Doc
September 17, 2016 @ 9:00 am
L+M Hospital and Groton Parks and Recreation are encouraging residents from Southeastern Connecticut to take a step toward better health with Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk Saturday mornings at 9:00 am at Poquonnock Plains Park. Four walks are planned for spring and summer: May 21, June 18, July 23, and September 17.
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 well-being of the country.
“This program has had tremendous participation and success in hundreds of cities around the country,” said Mark Berry, director of Groton Parks and Recreation. “I’m very pleased to bring this exciting and simple program to the area as it has shown such improved health results for countless people around the country.”
The Walk is open to the community. Participation is free and people can register through Groton Parks and Recreation, but pre-registration is not required. Walkers will enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating walk with physicians and other healthcare professionals, who will provide support to participants and answer questions during the Walk.
“Walk with a Doc is honored to team up with L+M and Groton Parks and Recreation. By incorporating this program into the practice, they are demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to their community,” said Dr. David Sabgir, founder of Walk with a Doc.
Why walk?
“There’s no question that increasing exercise, even moderately, reduces the risks of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, breast and colon cancer and Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Chris Lehrach. “Research has even shown that you could gain two hours of life for each hour that you exercise regularly.”
According to the American Heart Association, walking as little as 30 minutes a day can provide the following benefits:
- Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Help maintain a healthy body weight and lower the risk of obesity
- Enhance mental well-being
- Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
Groton joins a growing list of communities nationwide that have started local Walk with a Doc (WWAD) programs. WWAD was created by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist with Mount Carmel Health Systems in Columbus, OH. He has Walked with patients and community members every weekend since 2005.
Learn more about Walk with a Doc at www.walkwithadoc.org.