Walk with a Doc

In the words of Shigeru Miyamoto, “The best ideas solve multiple problems at the same time.” Walk with a Doc was created to solve the epidemic of sedentary lifestyles, but over time it has become clear that the program also affords a viable solution to the social isolation epidemic. National statistics (U.S.) show that over 80% of adults get little or no regular physical activity, even though 150 minutes of physical activity a week can help prevent/treat more than 40 major diseases including but not limited to dementia, 13 different types of cancers, cardiovascular disease, and mental illness. Similarly, a growing number of Americans report feelings of loneliness, which often result in health ailments related to sleep impairments, mental well-being, cognitive functioning, and physical health (e.g. obesity). Experts predict that by 2035, 75% of adults in the United States will be overweight or obese, which will create a significant drain on the financial resources of the healthcare system and increase the tragic impact of preventable disease. Walk with a Doc solves myriad problems, the most potent of which is returning healthcare providers to their intended place as healers - of mind, body and community.

Walk with a Doc is an innovative program centered on group physical activity, social connectedness, and equipping participants with health-related knowledge. Walk with a Doc provides healthcare professionals with a turnkey, evidence-based program for their entire community. Walk leaders host monthly, at minimum, ongoing events that begin with a brief, health provider-led discussion on a current health-related topic. Conversations continue as the participants take to trail/path and walk for the remainder of the hour, typically 30-45 minutes. Often the walks occur in nature, affording additional health benefits to participants.

There is definitive data showing that even a small increase in physical activity leads to a significant reduction in disease and healthcare costs. Eighty-four percent of physician walk leaders share that Walk with a Doc programming increases the opportunity for meaningful social interaction; a critical realization given isolation is increasingly identified as a significant health risk factor. This solution is simple for leaders to execute with the tools, support and advice Walk with a Doc provides. Importantly, the program is free and accessible for walkers so they can easily enjoy the benefits of the program.

List of Services Offered

More than a walk, the Walk with a Doc program encompasses and delivers four components: physical activity, health education, social connection, time in nature. More information about the services provided by Walk with a Doc is available here.

Cost to Participate

There is no cost for walker participation. A nominal fee to establish a Walk with a Doc chapter in a community is usually covered by supporting hospitals or health agencies. Funding assistance is available as needed.

Contact Rachael Habash, Chief Operating Officer rachael@walkwithadoc.org (614) 714-0407 www.walkwithadoc.org

The three tiered staff composition associated with the programming are:

• Walk with a Doc events can be led by a medical professional with an advanced medical degree such as a Physician, Resident Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or someone with a doctorate degree in an allied healthcare field, such as DDS, PharmD, Psy.D, DPT, OTD, DPM.
• Just Walk events can be led by other licensed healthcare providers, including a registered nurse, registered dietitian, medical social worker, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech & language pathologist, licensed mental health counselor, and athletic trainer.
• Walk with a Future Doc events can be led by medical students under the supervision of a faculty member or licensed healthcare provider.

All Walk leaders go through training during the onboarding process.

To note: Licensed healthcare providers who want to lead a walk but are not on the above lists, are encouraged to email Walk with a Doc to determine eligibility to provide the health talk.