Doctors and patients take steps together towards good health

Earlier today, doctors, patients and volunteers gathered in the morning sunshine at Kits Beach for Walk with your Doc’s province-wide kickoff event. Twenty local doctors and approximately 150 patients participated in a 2 km walk, taking steps together towards a healthier lifestyle. 

Respected physician and media personality Dr Art Hister emceed the event, “Walking will increase your quality of life because, quite frankly, you’ll feel good,” he said. “Your heart rate will increase, stress will lower and you’ll have a more positive outlook on life.”

BCMA President Dr Shelley Ross spoke of BC doctors commitment to supporting patients to be the healthiest they can be. “We are not just ‘talking the talk’, we are ‘walking the talk’ side-by-side with patients.”

Drs Donaldson, Mackie, Jetha & Oppel

Well-known local GP and health columnist Dr Davidicus Wong, and Walk with your Doc creator Dr Ron Wilson, were also in attendance. 

Participants received a free pedometer and were encouraged to count their steps and aim to walk 10,000 steps per day.

Walk with your Doc is a week-long initiative created by the BC Medical Association’s Council on Health Promotion in 2010. Today’s Vancouver event will be followed by walks organized all over the province by BC doctors.