South Georgia Medical Center is pleased to announce the launch of its Walk with a Doc program, an initiative that brings together doctors and patients to take a step toward better health. Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation.  

SGMC's Walk will be facilitated by its Internal Medicine Resident Physicians as a way to engage with the community at large. The walk provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages and fitness levels to participate in physical activity while engaging in conversations about health, wellness, and medical topics in an informal and relaxed environment. 

The first walk will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 8am at the Valdosta Middle School track located at 110 Burton Street. To register, visitsgmc.org/event/walk-with-a-doc.

SGMC Internal Medicine Physician and Designated Institutional Official for the Graduate Medical Education Program Joseph Hayes, MD, expressed excitement about the program launch. "We believe that integrating regular physical activity into your routine can have a profound impact on overall health. The Walk with a Doc program allows us to connect with our community members beyond the clinical setting, fostering a sense of camaraderie and a shared commitment to well-being," he said. 

The Walk with a Doc program is open to all members of the community. Participation is free and pre-registration is encouraged. Participants will receive a free t-shirt upon check-in.  

Attendees can look forward to informative discussions about various health topics with SGMC physicians and connecting with other health-minded individuals. 

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 

SGMC joins a growing list of organizations and communities worldwide that have started local Walk with a Doc programs. The program was started by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, OH. He has walked with patients and community members nearly every weekend since 2005. 

For more information, visit sgmc.org.