ProMedica Monroe hosts free ‘Walk with a Doc’ program
MONROE —Members of the Monroe community can take a step toward better health with “Walk with a Doc,” a free health program that brings doctors and patients to walk together the first Wednesday of every month at noon, meeting at the front doors of ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency Center, 650 Stewart Road.
"Walk with a Doc" is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation.
Participants take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation.
“I was inspired by the 'Walk with a Doc' program’s mission and vision to help not only patients but staff members to keep moving. I want to encourage, enrich, educate and empower my patients and staff to better their health and well-being through this program,” Dr. Christina Lucas-Vougiouklakis said in a written statement. Vougiouklakis is currently the medical director for ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency program and is also the director of osteopathic education.
According to the American Heart Association, walking as little as 30 minutes a day can provide the following benefits:
Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Help maintain a healthy body weight and lower the risk of obesity
Enhance mental well-being
Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
Monroe joins a growing list of communities worldwide that have started local "Walk with a Doc" programs. Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio started the program and has walked with patients and community members nearly every weekend since 2005.
More information is available at ProMedica Monroe Walk with a Doc or call Vougiouklakis at 734-240-8430. An email can be sent to Christina.LucasDO@ProMedica.org.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: ProMedica Monroe hosts free ‘Walk with a Doc’ program
