More than a Walk
The United States and countries around the globe are experiencing an epidemic of health issues arising from an inactive lifestyle. For example, only one in four adults meets national guidelines for aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Walking was recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States as one of the single most important things we can do for our health.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, said, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives.”
One solution to the inactivity and isolation issues is a programme called Walk with a Doc. Walk with a Doc 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, many patients and community members showed up, energized and ready to move.
Physicians, who report high levels of burnout particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, can also benefit from this approach. Physicians report one of the top causes of burnout is not being able to spend enough time with patients. Walk with a Doc aims to encourage physical activity to reduce the effects of a sedentary lifestyle through free, physician-led walking programs. The program encourages physical activity, health education, social interaction, and spending time in nature. These components (physical activity, social connection, and spending time in nature) have been demonstrated as having a positive effect on mental and physical wellbeing.
Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has grown as a grassroots effort with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A healthcare provider gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. Healthy snacks, coffee, and blood pressure checks are an optional part of a Walk with a Doc event. In 2009, we became an official not-for-profit and added an Executive Director with a focus on building a program that could easily be implemented in other cities around the country. As a result of these efforts, the reach of Walk with a Doc now extends all around the globe with over 500 chapters worldwide, including Walk with a FUTUREDoc chapters led by medical students and Just Walk chapters led by other licensed healthcare providers.
The program has surveyed its participants regarding physical activity, empowerment, and education with the following findings:
- 71% of participants share that since joining Walk with a Doc they get more exercise, with 27% sharing that they have maintained their previous amount.
- 40% of participants surveyed are getting 150 minutes of exercise or more a week, compared to the U.S. national average of 23%.
- 90% of participants feel they are more educated about their health since starting Walk with a Doc based primarily on the health presentation at walks, weekly newsletter, and social postings.
- 93% of participants share that they feel more inspired to lead a healthy lifestyle after joining Walk with a Doc.
Physician walk leaders also provide positive feedback on their participation in Walk with a Doc:
- Walk physicians believe the program empowers walkers to have healthier lifestyles.
- Walk with a Doc makes walkers more aware of their health, improves walkers’ health measures and quality of life, and increases physical activity rates in the community thereby improving overall community wellness.
- Walk physicians feel the program provides opportunities for social interactions and social support that help people cope.
- Walk with a Doc makes physicians more approachable and overall has a positive impact on participants’ lives.
Take home messages
- Walk with a Doc was originally started to get people moving, but we’ve seen over the years that the benefits of the program far exceed a simple walk!
- The power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and time in nature is an all-in-one prescription for a healthier life. Find your nearest walk or share Walk with a Doc with your network to help transform healthcare around the world:
Rachael Abash, Walk with a Doc
