Five Oceanside physicians have taken the time in recent days to invite their patients to join them for a walking event as part of a British Columbia Medical Association provincial initiative that coincides with the World Health Organization’s Move for Health Day.
While many people know the benefits of exercise and especially walking, participants in the Oceanside Walk with the Doc initiatives, hosted by doctors Satish Desai, Rita Blom and Mark Morris in Parksville and Hugh Fletcher, Gio Miletto and Johann Wagenaar in Qualicum Beach, brought smiles from both patients and staff participants.
Each picked up a pedometer for their registration and spent their walk sharing conversations with fellow walkers who ranged in age from their early 20s to late 80s, with a few children and toddlers in the mix.
Suzanne Beyrodt-Blyt, medical office assistant with Dr. Wagenaar’s office, laughingly told a walking group that she’d hold up the rear in case a walker had any problems, adding she was CPR certified. The group covered about seven kilometers and decided they will walk with Dr. Wagenaar one Wednesday at lunch time each month.
Many participants stated they’d like to be invited to walk with their doctor more often than annually, and said they’d be looking for advertising for the opportunity again next spring. Patient and physician relations were boosted, and healthy lifestyles were supported.
— Submitted by the Oceanside Division of Family Practice