ABOVE: Dr. Umad Ahmad, cardiologist and CMO at AdventHealth, walks with his family during a Killeen Walk With A Doc event in June. BELOW: AdventHealth OBGYN Dr. Arturo Romero speaks with participants. Courtesy photos. 20 people. Walkers are typically curious about how to live a healthier lifestyle. For about 15 minutes a doctor will speak on of a variety of topics such as diabetes, orthopedics, healthy lifestyle. The walk and talk and short discussion focuses on the mind, body and spirit. The walk is dog friendly, kid friendly and family friendly. Removing barriers to healthcare in a relaxing setting was the impetus for starting a local Walk With a Doc chapter, Kennedy said. “A lot of times a visit to the doctor can be nerve-wracking. It’s a more neutral place, where community members can come out and interact with our doctor and maybe ask some questions they’re not as comfortable asking one-on-one with their provider. It encourages our community to get outside and fellowship with one another and get active,” Kennedy said. “And during that walk, the doctor’s walking right next to our participants. They’re able to go right up and ask questions or just have conversations. A lot of the doctors bring their whole family. So we have a lot of children there.” A woman in her mid-60s who suffers from obesity recently opened up to Kennedy. “She was really in bad health and she was wanting to become more active. She just reported how supported she felt being part of a group that’s encouraging and motivating. The support system has really been a benefit.”
WHERE CAN I WALK WITH A DOC?
TEMPLE: Baylor Scott & White Temple sponsors a 9 a.m. walk the third Saturday of each month at Miller Park: 1919 N. First St. KILLEEN: Baylor Scott & White sponsors a 9 a.m. walk the second Saturday of the month at Lions Club Park, 1700 E. Stan Schlueter Loop. AdventHealth sponsors an 8 a.m. walk the first Sunday of each month at the Central Texas College walking trail: 6200 W. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen. Meet in front of the CTC gym. AdventHealth will provide free flu shots and information about flu prevention at the Oct. 6 walk.
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