According to the American Heart Association, walking as little as 30 minutes per day can vastly improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, mental well-being and reduce risk of many diseases. It is with this in mind, and with intent to inspire overall community health, that Valleywise Health is announcing their partnership with Walk with a Doc to host its inaugural walk at 7 am on Saturday, August 21 at Cesar Chavez Park in Laveen.

Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation. Dr. Andree Jones, a District Medical Group sports medicine specialist from Valleywise Health, is spearheading this effort locally as she understands the benefits of walking regularly for overall health and mobility. Residents of all ages are encouraged to lace up their walking shoes to join Dr. Jones and other physicians and representatives from Valleywise Health for this inaugural walk.

“There’s no question that increasing exercise, even moderately, reduces the risk of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, breast and colon cancer and Type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Jones. “Walk with a Doc has had tremendous support in hundreds of cities around the world and I am so pleased to bring this simple program here to Phoenix as we walk for our collective health.”

During the walk, participants are encouraged to ask healthcare related questions to participating physicians to create an open dialogue about health issues in a relaxed, informal environment.

“Walk with a Doc is honored to team up with Valleywise Health. By incorporating this program into the practice, they are demonstrating their exceptional level of commitment to the health and well-being of the Phoenix community while delivering on their mission to provide care and resources to all who need it,” said Dr. David Sabgir, founder of Walk with a Doc.

Valleywise Health is the only healthcare system in Maricopa County partnering with Walk with a Doc and joins a growing list of communities worldwide that have started local programs. WWAD was started by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, OH. He has walked with patients and community members nearly every weekend since 2005.

Participation is free and pre-registration is not required. Future walks will be hosted on the third Saturday of every month, all at Cesar Chavez Park (7858 S. 35th Ave. – Laveen Village, AZ 85339). For more information, please visit valleywisehealth.org/event/walk-with-a-doc/