Healthy Communities
Walk with a Doc Program
Walk with a Doc [doctor] was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, over 100 people showed up, energized and ready to move. Bases on his success this program has grown and expanded to over 500 communities all around the world, to include here in Macon, GA.
Healthy Communities in collaboration with our community partners to include Parks and Beautification, started the Walk with a Doc program in Macon on April 5, 2019.
Why Walk?
Walking was recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States of America as one of the single most important things we can do for our health.
There are 100+ Reasons to Walk , the benefits include physical and mental wellbeing.
One of our walkers shared the impact of joining our Walk with a Doc events with the global group of walkers. She lost 50- + pounds in weight and lowered her A1C 9.9 to 5.2. in less than a year by walking. This is a blood test to check how well a person’s diabetes is controlled (below 5.7% is the normal value).
When do we meet?
We meet on the 1st Saturday of every month at beautiful Amerson River Park. Walkers sign in at 7:45am and meet with the doctor at 8am during the “hot” weather months (April-September). For October-March, walkers sign in at 8:45am and meet with the doctor at 9am. After sign in a doctor from Atrium Health Navicent gives a brief overview of a health topic such as heart disease, answers questions, and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace.
Our doctor-led walking group is a safe, fun, and FREE place to get some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends. It is open to everyone – all you need are good walking shoes.
Will you join us to Walk, Talk and get healthier together?
