Join us on USA campus for Walk with a Doc

Walking is a great way to get exercise and may even add years to your life, new research shows. And getting in your steps with others can likely only add to the positive benefits of healthy movement.    

To support patients at USA Health, gastrointestinal surgeon Richard R. Rieske, M.D., has led the launch of a local chapter of Walk with a Doc, a walking and education program that aims to inspire communities through movement and conversation.  

“Even if it is just a few steps, walking is a great opportunity to change your health,” said Rieske, who is also an assistant professor of surgery at the Whiddon College of Medicine. Rieske is collaborating with leaders from the USA Health departments of Pediatrics and Family Medicine, and the College of Health, Kinesiology and Sport at the University of South Alabama. 

Walk with a Doc will be held one Saturday every month at 8:30 a.m. at the USA Student Rec Center. Once the weather warms up, the walks will move to the JagFit trail across campus.  The event, which is free and open to the public, begins with a short discussion about a current health topic, followed by a healthy walk based on each participant’s pace and distance.  

“Everyone, regardless of fitness status, is welcome at this event,” Rieske said. “Our goal is to meet you where you are, provide helpful health education in the form of a brief talk, and then walk together.” 

Kelley Day, MSN, RN, a nurse practitioner in general surgery, said participants will have a chance to ask questions of the healthcare providers leading the events. “We want to promote healthy habits and provide information to assist community residents in achieving their health goals,” she said. 

Katie L. Williams, D.O., director of the Pediatric Healthy Life Center at USA Health Pediatrics and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said she is excited to join the program and will encourage her patients from the Pediatric Healthy Life Center to participate.  

“I also encourage anyone else interested in getting more movement into their routines to join us, too,” she said.  

Walks are scheduled at these dates and times:

• Jan. 4 at 8:30 a.m., USA Campus, Student Rec Center  
• Feb. 15 at 8:30 a.m., USA Campus, Student Rec Center  
• March 8 at 8:30 a.m., USA Campus, JagFit Trail  
• April 5 at 8:30 a.m., USA Campus, JagFit Trail  
• May 3 at 8:30 a.m., USA Campus, JagFit Trail    

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analyzed health data on U.S. adults 40 and over from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The results reinforced the notion that staying active – even with something as simple as walking – may significantly increase life expectancy.