“Walk (and Talk) with a Doc” Coming to Wiregrass

Matt Boster

Viewed: 1416

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Sep 16 2019 3:11 PM

HEADLAND, Alabama, September 16, 2019: ?Headland Family Medicine is encouraging Wiregrass residents to take a step toward better health with Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk every month. The first ever Walk with a Doc is Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 5-6 pm at Headland Family Medicine at 204 Holman Drive, Headland, AL.

Walk with a Doc is a free program open to all ages and abilities. Headland Family Medicine’s Dr. Niel Rasmussen will kick things off with a brief discussion about the benefits of walking, then he and Physician Assistant, Ramona Bolin, will walk with participants while they answer health questions. Walk with a Doc is currently planned for every month.

Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation. Headland Family Medicine is only one of two doctor’s offices in Alabama to offer the program. “We reached out to them to form a chapter. It was a commitment that was important to us,” says Amy Rasmussen, office manager. “To us, it is a big deal because it is a tool for people to use for lifestyle treatment of diseases and prevention of chronic diseases.”

“This program has had tremendous participation and success in hundreds of cities around the country,” says Dr. Niel Rasmussen. “I’m very pleased to bring this exciting and simple program to the Wiregrass as it has shown such improved health results for countless people no matter their age or ability. There’s no question that increasing exercise, even moderately, reduces the risks of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, breast and colon cancer and Type 2 diabetes,” he adds. “Research has even shown that you could gain two hours of life for each hour that you exercise regularly.”

“Walk with a Doc is honored to team up with Headland Family Medicine. By incorporating this program into the practice, they are demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to their community,” says Dr. David Sabgir, founder of Walk with a Doc.

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

The Wiregrass joins a growing list of communities worldwide that have started local Walk with a Doc (WWAD) programs. WWAD was founded by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist with Mount Carmel Health Systems in Columbus, OH. He has walked with patients and community members every weekend since 2005.

Learn more about Walk with a Doc at ?www.walkwithadoc.org? or call Headland Family Medicine at 334-693-3336.

About Headland Family Medicine:

Headland Family Medicine is a medical home providing patients a lasting relationship with a care team to coordinate healthcare needs located in Headland, AL. The care team is comprised of Dr. Niel Rasmussen, a board- certified Family Medicine physician; Ramona Bolin, Physician Assistant; and several nursing and clerical staff members. They can be contacted at 334-693-3336 or headlandfamilymedicine.com and facebook.com/headlandfamilymedicine.

<- back