PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital kicked off its new Walk with a Doc program in January. This local offering of an international health program brings providers and patients together each month to walk and to chat.
Nearly 40 people took part in the first session. Dr. Andrew Lederman from Northern Light Orthopedics spoke to participants briefly about the benefits of exercising before they took to the track to walk at the Sargent Family Community Center.
“It’s all about putting your body in motion, no matter where you are starting from,” he said. “Even if you walk just one lap, you are taking steps to improve your health.”
He and other staff from the hospital then walked the track for about 45 minutes with community members, talking about a range of topics from health to other local interests.
The program will continue from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Aroostook Centre Mall with John Raymond, PA-C, from Northern Light Heart and Lung. Raymond will talk briefly about heart health and then walk laps with participants.
According to the American Heart Association, walking as little as 30 minutes a day can: improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels; help maintain a healthy body weight and lower the risk of obesity; enhance mental well-being; and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Walk with a Doc is free and open to the public. It is intended for people of all ages and physical abilities. Participants can walk at their own pace for whatever distance they choose.
Other upcoming providers will include: David Weed, DO, from Sleep Diagnostics on March 31; Jonathan Herland, MD, from Pain Clinic on April 28; Heather Montgomery, FNP, from Walk-In Care on May 26; and Veronica Miksch, PA-C, from Primary Care on June 30.
Light snacks and water will be provided at each of the Walk with a Doc sessions. Participation is free and pre-registration is not required. Simply stop by and enjoy a walk with local healthcare professionals, who will provide support and answer questions during the walk.
Submitted by the Communications Office of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital.
