GREENFIELD — A local organization is bringing physicians out of their offices to encourage exercise and physical fitness. The Greenfield chapter of Walk With a Doc, now in its seventh year, is open to anyone looking to exercise with a group.
The group held its annual “Pack the Park” event Sept. 17, attracting a crowd of walkers to Riley Park that contained people both young and old, of all levels of physical fitness, and even a few dressed as Star Wars characters.
The event was aimed at promoting Greenfield’s regular Walk With a Doc event, which brings physicians and community members together to exercise. Participants walked laps around the park and participated in raffle giveaways. They also heard from speakers about the health benefits of physical activity.
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The regular Walk With a Doc group meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesday of each month, at Riley Park during the summer months and the Hancock Wellness Center during the winter months. Participants not only have the chance to exercise with a group, but they can also discuss their health with the doctors who attend.
Dr. Thomas O’Connor, a family physician at American Health Network, is one of the regular physician participants. He said the group is a good way for people to find a supportive community if they want to start exercising regularly or are recovering from a surgery or injury.
O’Connor said the regular walks attract about 40 to 50 participants, while the Pack the Park event was attended by approximately 250.
“A lot of our people are 60 to 90 years old,” O’Connor said. “Some younger people, too. It’s just good to get people exercising. We had a lady who was pregnant and had gestational diabetes who started walking with us. Her child’s 5 years old now, and she’s still coming.”
O’Connor said the walking group is an easy way for patients to get into the habit of exercising regularly.
“I try to help the patients do something that doesn’t cost any money,” O’Connor said.
Ron and Lois Kramer are committed members of the regular Walk With a Doc group.
“We’ve been here since the beginning, seven years ago. We haven’t missed too many Tuesdays. It keeps us healthy,” Ron said.
Many of the Kramers’ friends and family members attended the Pack the Park event at their invitation. Daughter-in-law Lou Ann Kramer said they are known for bringing the most visitors to the annual event.
“They’re in their mid-80s, and they’re still going. So we’re here to encourage people to get out and walk and keep their bodies moving,” Lou Ann said.
Lou Ann said the walks are also a great way to interact with medical professionals in a casual setting.
“The doctors are awesome. They’re wonderful family people. We get to ask them questions while we’re walking. It’s a really good group of doctors,” Lou Ann said.
Another regular participant, Wanda Clemens, said the Walk With a Doc group motivated her to exercise while recovering from surgery
“I walk five to seven miles a day,” Clemons said.
Her advice for anyone looking to improve their health?
“Walk, walk, and walk some more,” she said.