Ooooh doggie, am I riding high on Canada.
Good morning! Thank you for being with us this Friday.
This all started 5 weeks ago when my in-laws treated my wife, Krissy and me to a phenomenal Elvis concert in Florida. We were lucky to share an outdoor table with Diane, Doug, and their family from Waterloo, Ontario. Their humor, optimism, captivating stories, and dancing skills entertained us as much as the King. For those of you who’ve seen the Memphis Flash in person, you know that’s no small task.
So, this week, (and there’s more below) we’re taking a moment to celebrate our amazing neighbors to the north. A country known for its breathtaking landscapes, kind-hearted people, and a universal love of the great outdoors. From the rugged trails of Banff to the scenic paths of Vancouver’s Stanley Park, Canada embodies the spirit of movement and community that we strive for at Walk with a Doc.
Canada is also home to some of the world’s most walkable cities, and (wait for it…) studies consistently show that walking—even just 30 minutes a day—reduces the risk of heart disease, improves mental health, and fosters social connections. So, whether you’re strolling along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa (UNESCO World Heritage Site (pictured above)), trekking through Quebec’s Mont Tremblant, or just walking around your local neighborhood, you’re taking steps toward a healthier life.
The day after Diane/Doug we had a special opportunity to chat with one of Canada’s most recognizable voices and coolest dudes —Matt Galloway of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. As the host of CBC’s The Current, Matt goes deep in interviews about health, community, and the power of movement. In our conversation, we first hear soundbites from our beloved chapter in Oakville, ON WWAD, then dive into the nitty gritty, including the importance of staying active (Matt bikes to work every day – in Canada nonetheless), share some fun back and forth, and I’m not going to a lie, we get a little vulnerable.
Click here for the full interview if you wish to hear what happens when one of the absolute best in the business, Matt Galloway, sits across from a simple, country doctor from Ohio. (starts at 21:20). This aired just yesterday and Rachael/Bryan have already fielded 35 new requests from Canadian docs interested in starting Walk with a Doc programs in their communities!
As we all continue this collective mission of bringing ourselves together through movement, we invite you to lace up your sneakers, take a deep breath of fresh air, and join us on a walk—wherever you are in the world. If you haven’t yet, please find a Walk with a Doc chapter near you or start your own!
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
Stay walking together (in Canada, in the U.S., and all over this spectacular world of ours!)
David
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
– David
About Walk with a Doc:
As an international non-profit organization, Walk with a Doc is committed to inspiring communities through movement and conversation with walking groups led by local doctors, healthcare providers, or medical students.
Started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio, the program now extends to hundreds of throughout the world. The walks are a fun, free, and safe place to get physical activity, learn tips for healthy living, and meet new people.
Learn more at www.walkwithadoc.org
20th Anniversary 🎉
April 9, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Walk with a Doc! We’re planning to celebrate this milestone all year long, starting with 20 days of health tips, an April Walk Challenge, raffle prizes, and more.
