British Columbia’s annual Walk with your Doc will see nearly 100 doctors in the Interior prescribe exercise to their patients, as well as hosting 15 walking events in an effort to get people in local communities outside and moving.
From May 9 to 17, walks will be held in cities, such as Kelowna, Kamloops and Cranbrook, and in areas as far north as 100 Mile House.
The local Walk with your Doc Week in 100 Mile House kicks off with a walk being organized by Dr. Gordon Hutchinson and Dr. Joanne Lapin at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre on May 9, starting at 10 a.m., and they would like people to come and join them.
All residents are invited to participate in these free events and folks will receive a free pedometer by signing up at www.walkwithyourdoc.ca.
The website connects B.C. walkers with photos, stories, and a map of walks around the province. Walkers can enter a photo contest for the chance to win one of five FitBits by sharing their walk photos on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #WalkWithYourDoc.
Developed by Doctors of BC, the Sixth Annual Walk with your Doc Week provides a great opportunity for doctors to connect with groups of patients, to walk side-by-side, discuss the health benefits that walking provides, and demonstrate their commitment to support patients in leading a healthier lifestyle.
Studies show daily walking helps maintain weight levels, boost the immune system, lower stress, and prevent memory loss. Doctors recommend patients walk at least 30 minutes every day in order to maximize on the many health benefits.
In communities around the province, 59 Walk with your Doc events are being held and include nearly 400 doctors and 3,500 patients. Now in its sixth year, Walk with your Doc continues to grow in its pursuit to encourage and support patients to live an active lifestyle.
To find times, dates and locations of walks, please visit the Walk with your Doc website at: www.walkwithyourdoc.ca.