Cuyuna Regional Medical Center is encouraging area residents to take a step toward better health by participating in Walk with a Doc, a new health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk.

The inaugural walk will be Wednesday, May 5, from 4 to 5 p.m. with Wendi Johnson, M.D., a CRMC Board Certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine physician. Participants will gather in the Hallett Community Center parking lot where Dr. Johnson will provide a brief introduction. Following her presentation, everyone will head to the paved Cuyuna Country State Recreation Trails near the Croft Mine to walk at their own pace. Future walk dates will be set at that time.

The Walk is open to the community; participation is free, and no registration is required. Walkers will enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating walk with Dr. Johnson and other healthcare professionals, who will provide support to participants and answer questions about exercise and nutrition during the Walk.

“I’m very pleased to bring this exciting and simple program to the Cuyuna Lakes as it has shown such improved health results for countless people around the country,” said Dr. Johnson. “Increasing exercise, even moderately, may help reduce the risks of many diseases, including coronary heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Adding 10 minutes of physical activity a day, such as walking, is a small change that can make a big difference.”

Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation. In partnership with Fresh Avocados—Love One Today, Walk with a Doc promotes physical activity and stepping up awareness about healthy eating to help improve the heart health of the nation.

“Walk with a Doc is honored to team up with CRMC. By incorporating this program into its practice, CRMC is demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to their community,” said Dr. David Sabgir, founder of Walk with a Doc. “Adding 10 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. This year we are highlighting how eating more heart healthy avocados is one of the many ways to step up fresh fruit intake and promote healthier living.”

The Cuyuna Lakes is joining a growing list of communities worldwide that have started local Walk with a Doc programs. WWAD was started by Dr. Sabgir, a cardiologist from Columbus, Ohio. He has walked with patients and community members every weekend since 2005. To learn more, visit www.walkwithadoc.org or follow WWAD on Facebook,. Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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