Atrium Health Navicent’s ‘Walk with a Doc’ Program Receives Bike Walk Macon Mobility Maker Business Award
In its third year, Atrium Health Navicent’s “Walk with a Doc” program was recently honored by Bike Walk Macon and recognized with the 2022 Macon Mobility Maker Business Award.
“Walk with a Doc” encourages the community to achieve greater health and wellness by participating in regularly scheduled walks led by Atrium Health Navicent doctors in collaboration with our community partners including the MaconBibb County Parks and Recreation Department.
First offered in 2019, the free walking program is designed for all fitness levels. Participants spend a few minutes learning about a current health topic from an Atrium Health Navicent health care provider, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation.
“This program gives everyday individuals young and old, no matter their socio-economic status, an opportunity to exercise while learning how to live healthier,” said Dr. Harry Strothers, chief of Family Medicine at Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care West Macon and a regular physician participant. “This is a great way to build relationships with local doctors and others in the community while learning more about health and wellness in a fun, relaxing environment. Thanks to our community partners, including Macon-Bibb County Parks and Recreation for continuing to support “Walk with a Doc.”
The next walk is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 6 at Amerson River Park, 2551 Pierce Drive N. in Macon. Walks start at 8 a.m. from April to September and at 9 a.m. from October to March. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to sign in. All walkers are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, wear appropriate fitness clothing and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
"Atrium Health Navicent is deserving of a 2022 Macon Mobility Maker Award because of its commitment to help create a more walkable Macon-Bibb County through the ‘Walk With a Doc’ program. We'd like to thank them for collaborating with us and many other groups to provide such a unique, fun and free community initiative that encourages people to walk more in our public parks while also learning about their health and meeting new people,” said Rachel Hollar Umana, executive director of Bike Walk Macon.
The national “Walk with a Doc” program was launched in 2005 by a physician who invited his patients to walk with him in a local park on a Saturday morning. Since then, the program has expanded to more than 500 communities across the world, including Atrium Health Navicent’s program in Macon.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.
About Bike Walk Macon
Bike Walk Macon is leading the movement to make bicycling and walking a safe, healthy and affordable option for transportation and recreation for all Maconites. Founded in July 2015, Bike Walk Macon is Macon-Bibb County's first grassroots bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization working to enhance mobility to create a more vibrant, healthy and equitable city. Through community leadership and inclusive engagement, Bike Walk Macon has become the city’s voice for all things biking and walking. We seek to make active transportation an option for all Maconites, no matter where they live or where they're trying to go. We work to make our transportation network support active living and additional commuting options. For more information, visit www.bikewalkmacon.com.