Walk With a Doc starting back up
Dr. Jennifer Barbieri will host this year’s first walk on Saturday at Bridgepoint Plaza.
Visit a doctor’s office and more than likely you’ll hear about the importance and the health benefits of regular exercise. Visit a Harbin Clinic physicians’ office and chances are they may write you a prescription to take part in the 2018 Walk With a Doc series.
Several Harbin physicians led by ENT & Allergy Specialist Dr. Margaret Beauchamp decided to practice what they preach by bringing a version of the national Walk With a Doc program to Rome in 2017.
The program, which takes place the third Saturday of each month from April to October, features a Harbin Clinic physician talking about health and wellness and then leading a roughly two-mile walk along Rome’s Kingfisher Trail.
While the concept seems simple, the reception proved overwhelming, as more than 500 people turned out for the walks in 2017.
“When we started the series last year, we were hoping to be able to bring a fun, family-friendly way to exercise to Rome while also involving physicians,” Beauchamp said. “We were pleased with the turnout to the walks, and we are excited to see everyone again this year.”
The walks begin at Bridgepoint Plaza at 9 a.m. The lead physician takes a few minutes to talk about the benefits of exercise and often adds some advice from their medical specialty before leading the excursion.
Pediatricians Dr. Todd Kelley and Dr. Caroline Yaphokcun, who each led a walk in 2017, spoke about how important it is for kids to be active. Orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Brad Bushnell and Dr. Chris Piller, who also served as walk leaders in 2017, both talked about the importance of an exercise routine in keeping bones and muscles strong.
All told, more than 15 Harbin physicians either led walks or joined the walks, allowing walkers to spend time with physicians and see their doctors getting out and being active.
Harbin Clinic pulmonologist Dr. Jennifer Barbieri is leading the April 21 walk and can’t wait to get moving.