National Walking Day is on April 2, 2025! Our team at Walk with a Doc has had this date circled on our calendar for months. While we tend to find every reason we can to brag about the life-changing power of walking, the 1st Wednesday of April always gives us a good excuse to take it up a notch. Let’s put on our party hats (a.k.a. walking shoes) and celebrate National Walking Day with a walk!
How fast should I walk? How many steps should I take in a day? What do I do when the weather is bad? Our healthcare experts answer these questions and more in our Walking Guide! Complete the form below to access the free guide.
Health Benefits of Walking
Walking is one of the BEST things you can do for your overall health. Many diseases, conditions, and ailments can be prevented or even healed by participating in regular physical activity. Fortunately, even moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can provide these incredible health benefits. The CDC recommends that adults should aim for 150 minutes of physical activity per week (about 20-30 minutes per day) but every bit counts!
Physical Health Benefits
– Helps maintain a healthy weight
– Lowers risk of heart disease & stroke
– Lowers risk of several types of cancer
– Regulates blood pressure & cholesterol
– Helps prevent and manage type 2 diabetes
– Helps ease arthritis pain & stiffness
– Strengthens muscles & bones
– Lowers risk of falls
Mental Health Benefits
– Reduces stress & anxiety
– Lowers risk of depression
– Improves mood
– Helps you sleep better
– Improves energy levels
– Improves cognition & creativity
– Lowers risk of dementia & Alzheimer’s
– Improves overall quality of life
“Walking is the best medicine.”
-Hippocrates
-H
Join our April Walk Challenge
April 9, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Walk with a Doc and we’re celebrating with an April Walk Challenge, raffle prizes, and more!
What is Walk with a Doc?
Walk with a Doc is a nonprofit that was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. We now help organize hundreds of walking groups around the world where communities get together at least once a month to walk with local healthcare professionals. While the program was originally started to get people moving, we’ve seen over the years that the benefits of the program far exceed a simple walk!
Four Components of WWAD:
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity, like walking, is one of the single-most important things we can do for both our physical and mental health.
Health Education
Each Walk with a Doc event begins with a brief discussion on a current health topic from a volunteer healthcare provider, followed by the opportunity to ask questions while the group walks together.
Social Connection
Building connections with others can improve your quality of life, boost your mood, and improve your mental health. Walk with a Doc events are a fun way to meet new people and spend time with your neighbors, family, and friends.
Time in Nature
Spending time in nature can have a powerful impact on your health and well-being. In facet, getting outside can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, and improve sleep, brain function, and your immune system.
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