From multiple chronic conditions to feeling a whole lot better just by walking

Five years of doctors walking with patients

Walk with your Doc week is coming up May 3 – 11. In preparation of the province-wide events, doctors and their patients are telling their Walk with your Doc stories about why they started, what they experienced, and how their lives have changed. If you have a story about Walk with your Doc that you’d like to share please contactView Email Addressetimmerman@doctorsofbc.ca.

From multiple chronic conditions to feeling a whole lot better just by walking

Three years ago William Kreacul was suffering from a list of chronic illnesses. A daily smoker, Mr Krecaul, was overweight, had high blood pressure, diabetes, and had suffered a small stroke. Concerned at the rate in which his patient’s health was deteriorating, Dr Satish Desai, a family physician in Parksville, BC, recognized something needed to change in his day-to-day routine. So Dr Desai asked Mr Kreacul to join him for a walk, and discuss how daily activity could improve upon his health and quality of life.

“Physical activity enhances our patient’s health,” said Dr Desai. “It improves the brain, the heart, the lungs, and increases blood flow. Not only that but walking makes you feel better, it makes you happy, and balances your emotional health.”

Surprised by the invitation, Mr Kreacul decided he would attend the walk along with his wife. “We had a lot of fun,” remembers Mr Kreacul. “I discovered I like walking, and now I try to walk 2 km every day.” Today Mr Kreacul doesn’t smoke or drink, and has recovered fully from his stroke. When he visits Dr Desai for his regular check-ups his blood pressure and sugar levels are consistently low and easier to maintain. “Overall his health is much better,” acknowledges Dr Desai. “And I’m certain his daily walking has been one of the biggest contributors.”

The walk Dr Desai lead Mr Kreacul on, along with a number of  his other patients, is Walk with your Doc, an annual event that has doctors prescribing daily activity for better health. Doctors across BC host free walks for their patients and the public, and this year the event takes place the week of May 3 – 11. New this year in the lead up to the event doctors are handing out “Rx for Health” prescriptions to their patients that prescribe daily activity and include an invitation to join their Walk with your Doc event. All participants will receive a free pedometer (while supplies last) to count their steps and  to challenge themselves to increase the number of steps and work towards 30 minutes of activity each day.

Dr Desai has been hosting  his walk since 2011 when he joined the Board of the Oceanside Division of Family Practice and started emphasizing health and wellness issues. Last year he stepped down from his position at the Division, but is still an advocate of health prevention.

“Every day I see patients suffering from chronic illness. With health care dollars in short supply  prevention is key,” asserts Dr Desai. “Walking helps patients manage their illness and prevent or delay others from developing.”

Dr Desai and Dr Mark Morris will be hosting their Walk with your Doc at the Parksville Community Park, May 7, 2014, at 4 PM. To register email: View Email Addressgerisera@shaw.ca.