The
Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network (LBD PCN) is encouraging Leduc and
area residents to take a step toward better health with Walk with a Doc, a
health program that brings doctors and patients together to get out and walk.
Walk with a Doc is an initiative 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 in
both Canada and the US,” says Dr. Trevor Byers, a LBD PCN member physician.
“I’m very pleased to bring this exciting and simple program to Leduc as it has
shown such improved health results for countless people.”
Walk
with a Doc is open to the community. Participation is free and pre-registration
is not required. The
first Walk with a Doc event will take place on October 20, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Walkers
will first listen to a short health-related presentation in the Vantage Room at the Leduc Recreation Centre and then enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating
walk on the trails with Dr. Byers and other LBD PCN healthcare professionals,
who will provide support to participants and answer questions during the walk.
“Walk
with a Doc is honoured to team up with the LBD PCN. By incorporating this
program into the practice, Dr. Byers (pictured) and the PCN are demonstrating an
exceptional level of care and commitment to their community,” said Dr. David
Sabgir, founder of Walk with a Doc.
“First, because it is fun and it feels good. Also, an active lifestyle reduces the risk of
many chronic medical illnesses, including coronary heart disease, breast and
colon cancer, Type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety.” says Dr. Byers.
According to the
Heart & Stroke Foundation, 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 heart disease and stroke
Leduc
joins a growing list of communities in both Canada and the US 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.
