Walk With A Doc: Get Your Health Question Answered

Have some extra free time on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month? Head over to West Hartford and join local doctors and UConn Medical School students for a walk through the park!

Walk With A Doc is a walking program that was designed to inspire communities through movement and conversation. According to the American Heart Association, walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity and is safe for people with many medical conditions for whom other forms of exercise are not. It can also increase life expectancy, lower risk of some serious illnesses, and boost overall well-being, among other benefits. Walk With A Doc was founded in 2005 in Columbus, OH and there are now 500+ chapters around the world.

As of this fall, thanks to the work of a third year UConn Medical student, UConn Walk With A Doc will be hosting two walks per month on Saturday mornings to bring the walking movement to central Connecticut. UConn Walk With A Doc is a program for everyone interested in taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

According to a recent post in the Daily Digest, UConn Walk With A Doc UConn invites you “for an hour of walking and discussing health-related topics. We start with a 5-7 minute talk, followed by walking for the remaining hour. We encourage questions and discussion about any health-related questions you have. We meet at 9 a.m. at Elizabeth Park, 1555 Asylum Ave, West Hartford. It’s free, fun, and family-friendly! We look forward to meeting you.” They also share on their social media accounts that these walks are fun and safe places to go for a walk, learn about health, and meet new friends. No special gear is necessary (though comfortable shoes are recommended), and all attendees are invited to walk at their own pace.

For those of you interested in going to medical school, another benefit of attending these walks is the many chances to connect in an informal setting with local doctors and current UConn Medical School students. One of the best ways to learn about what it’s like to be in medical school is to get first-hand accounts from people who are currently or have previously gone through the process. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to do just that!

To stay up to date on upcoming walks and any changes due to inclement weather, follow Walk With A Doc (UConn School of Medicine) on Facebook or @uconnwalkwithadoc on Instagram.

By Lisa Famularo
Lisa Famularo Assistant Director, Equity and Inclusion | Pronouns: she/her/hers