Walk With A Doc

Walk With A Doc Walk with a Doc is a nonprofit that inspires communities through movement and conversation with physi
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Walk with a Doc was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, over 100 people showed up, energized and ready to move. Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has

grown as a grassroots effort, with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A doctor gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. Healthy snacks, coffee and blood pressure checks are an optional part of a Walk with a Doc event. The Walk added an Executive Director in 2009 and focused on building a program that could easily be implemented by interested doctors in other cities around the country. As a result of these efforts, the reach of Walk with a Doc now extends all around the globe with over 500 chapters worldwide! Walking was recognized by the former Surgeon General of the United States of America as one of the single most important things we can do for our health. Will you join us in making health and happiness accessible for all?

🏠 Your steps don’t have to stop when you’re at home! 👟Whether the weather isn’t cooperating, you’re short on time, or yo...
08/17/2026

🏠 Your steps don’t have to stop when you’re at home! 👟

Whether the weather isn’t cooperating, you’re short on time, or you just want to add a little more movement to your day, there are plenty of simple ways to get walking without going far.

From taking a few extra laps around the house to walking while you’re on the phone, small bursts of movement throughout the day add up.💚

Pick a few from our "10 Ways to Get More Steps Around the House" and give them a try today!

👟 Which one are you starting with? Tell us below—and when you’re ready to take those steps into the community, find a Walk with a Doc near you at the link in our bio! 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

⭐ Dr. David Sabgir's Weekly International Newsletter ⭐Near Death Experience: Honeycrisp EditionIt’s Honeycrisp season! 🍎...
08/14/2026

⭐ Dr. David Sabgir's Weekly International Newsletter ⭐

Near Death Experience: Honeycrisp Edition

It’s Honeycrisp season! 🍎

As Dr. Sabgir puts it, “We have a social responsibility to share the importance of Honeycrisp apples.”

After all, it’s not only that they’re absurdly delicious. “Apples are the Michael Jordan of health foods.”

Unfortunately, after last year’s Honeycrisp adventure, Krissy had just one thing to say this year:

“David, no! We are not… No. Just no.” 😂🍎

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Disclaimer: Most of this was a joke.

Click here to read the full newsletter: https://walkwithadoc.org/2026/08/i-had-a-near-death-experience/

08/12/2026

⭐ Featured on Walk with a Doc ⭐

Legacy in Motion: It's About the Connections

For 15 years, Dr. Jennifer Hone has been leading Walk with a Doc in Santa Barbara, where weekly walks have become much more than an opportunity to be active.

When asked about her favorite memory, she couldn't choose just one. There have been whales breaching offshore, dolphins swimming alongside walkers, inspiring health transformations, and even a successful matchmaking story.

But what stands out most is the community that has formed over the years.

"People have come and stayed, and come back, week after week, creating friendships that are found family."

That sense of connection extends beyond the walks. Every year after Thanksgiving, Jennifer and her husband, John, host a "Leftovers Thanksgiving" meal for walkers, especially those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. One longtime participant summed it up simply:

"That was the best meal I've had in a year."

"I'm so grateful to be part of this organization," Jennifer says. "It's created more than a walk, it's a community."

Learn more about the chapter here: https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/santa-barbara/

👟 Walking is just the beginning.At Walk with a Doc, we walk for our hearts, our minds, our muscles, our communities—and ...
08/10/2026

👟 Walking is just the beginning.

At Walk with a Doc, we walk for our hearts, our minds, our muscles, our communities—and so much more. 💚

It's not just about getting your steps in. It's about learning something new, connecting with others, spending time outside, and taking another step toward better health.

So yes, we walk… but that's the least interesting thing about us. 😉

🩺 What makes your Walk with a Doc experience special? Tell us in the comments!

📍 Find a walk near you through the link in our bio.

⭐ Dr. David Sabgir's International Newsletter ⭐Good morning!We were with friends the other night when a couple of cardio...
08/07/2026

⭐ Dr. David Sabgir's International Newsletter ⭐

Good morning!

We were with friends the other night when a couple of cardiology questions came up, and it reminded me how similar (and confusing) some of these terms can be.

At Walk with a Doc, we want to keep our Walk family members as informed as possible, so this seemed like the perfect chance to introduce (or review) some common heart-related terms.

As always, remember: if you're already walking 150 minutes or more each week, most of what follows may be more for your curiosity than your concern. Why? Because you're already doing one of the most powerful things you can do to reduce the risk factors listed below.

Physical Activity = Miracle Drug = Fountain of Youth

❤️ Heart cath / angiogram / cardiac catheterization: These are all the same thing—a diagnostic test, meaning we're just "taking a look."

🎈Angioplasty: If the catheter reveals a blockage, a tiny balloon is used to open the artery and restore blood flow.

🩺 Stents: Often compared to the spring inside a ballpoint pen, stents are tiny mesh scaffolds placed inside blood vessels. They press plaque against the vessel wall, opening a path for blood to flow more freely.

❤️‍🩹 Heart attack / myocardial infarction (MI): All of these describe the same event: a coronary artery becomes blocked. Blood can't get through, the heart muscle downstream is starved of oxygen, and that tissue dies.

"Does that part of the heart come back?"

Rarely. It typically turns into scar tissue.

However, the body sometimes develops collateral vessels—sometimes called "God's bypasses." When part of the heart is starved for oxygen, the body can release VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which stimulates the growth of new blood vessels. It's a remarkable process that can prevent or limit the size of a heart attack.

"Where can I buy VEGF? I'd like some."

You "buy" it at Walk with a Doc, my friend.

VEGF is released in higher amounts when you walk or exercise.

You're making your own heart-saving medicine just by moving.

We hope this sparks some good questions. If you have one, bring it up with your doctor—or bring it to your next Walk with a Doc.

You are incredible.

❤️ Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. Please Stay Hydrated (it's hot).

Click here to read the full newsletter: https://walkwithadoc.org/2026/08/balloons-and-stents-3/

Meet Dorlene Fitzgerald-Hawkins, a Walk with a Doc Central Ohio participant since 2025. 💙What started with a Facebook po...
08/06/2026

Meet Dorlene Fitzgerald-Hawkins, a Walk with a Doc Central Ohio participant since 2025. 💙

What started with a Facebook post became a journey toward better health, meaningful friendships, and a new appreciation for mindfulness.

Dorlene first joined Walk with a Doc to improve her overall health, but she found so much more along the way. Today, she stays accountable by walking every day, enjoys learning from our volunteer healthcare providers, and has built lasting connections with others who share similar health goals.

One of her favorite lessons? Learning to practice mindfulness—not just during walks, but in everyday life.

For anyone feeling nervous about attending their first walk, Dorlene has a simple message: "I will meet you to walk with." ❤️

Her story is a reminder that every journey begins with a single step—and you never have to take it alone.

Read Dorlene's full story here: https://walkwithadoc.org/2026/08/finding-health-friendship-and-mindfulness-meet-walk-with-a-doc-walker-dorlene-fitzgerald-hawkins/

🌿 Not all walks feel the same—and that's a good thing!Changing up your walking surface can challenge your body in new wa...
08/04/2026

🌿 Not all walks feel the same—and that's a good thing!

Changing up your walking surface can challenge your body in new ways and make every walk a little more enjoyable.

🏖️ Sand: Walking on sand increases the effort your muscles make, helping build strength while being gentler on your joints than hard pavement.

🌱 Grass: A softer surface can provide a comfortable alternative to concrete while adding a little extra balance challenge.

🌳 Nature paths: Uneven terrain can engage stabilizing muscles while the sights and sounds of nature may help reduce stress.

🛣️ Paved paths: Smooth, predictable surfaces are great for maintaining a steady pace, longer walks, and are often the most accessible option for walkers of all abilities.

Every surface has something unique to offer—the best one is the one that gets you moving. 👟💚

💬 Which walking surface is your favorite? Nature trails, sand, grass, or pavement? Tell us in the comments!

📍 Better yet, explore a new route this week or join a Walk with a Doc chapter near you through the link in our bio.

07/29/2026

⭐ Featured Chapter ⭐

Legacy in Motion: It's About the Connections

Featuring Dr. Steve Georgeson, Bridgewater, New Jersey

For more than a decade, Steven Georgeson has been leading Walk with a Doc in Bridgewater, New Jersey, where participants gather each month at Bridgewater Commons Mall for a physician-led walk, conversation, and community. Along with sharing practical heart health education, Dr. Georgeson also writes a monthly newspaper column and produces educational videos to help people live healthier lives.

When asked what he loves most about Walk with a Doc, his answer was simple:

"My favorite thing about Walk with a Doc is the connections."

One recent walk perfectly captured what he means.

Walking side by side were two participants who had never met before. One was the inventor of the Velochair, a pedal-powered, bicycle-like mobility device designed to help people with limited mobility stay active. The other was a retired teacher who had written a book celebrating New Jersey inventors, including a feature on the Velochair's creator.

Neither knew the other would be there.

They met because of Walk with a Doc.

It's a reminder that while our walks begin with movement, they often lead to something even more meaningful, friendships, shared stories, unexpected collaborations, and a stronger sense of community.

Thank you, Dr. Georgeson, for creating a place where those connections continue to happen, one walk at a time.

🏆 Can you pass the Walk with a Doc Challenge?Walking is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other. Bal...
07/27/2026

🏆 Can you pass the Walk with a Doc Challenge?

Walking is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other. Balance, strength, and mobility all play an important role in helping us move confidently and stay active.

That's why we created these five simple challenges to help you build the skills that support everyday movement:
⚖️ Improve your balance
👣 Practice stability and coordination
🪑 Build lower-body strength
🚶 Add more movement to your day
👟 Create a walking habit that lasts

Remember, there's no perfect score—every step counts. Complete the challenges at your own pace, modify them as needed, and always put safety first.

💬 How many challenges did you complete? Let us know your score from 1–5 in the comments!

💚 Ready for even more motivation? Find a Walk with a Doc chapter near you through the link in our bio and come walk with us!

Good morning!It is so great to be with you.How is it possible to feel that warm sense of community just by typing into a...
07/25/2026

Good morning!

It is so great to be with you.

How is it possible to feel that warm sense of community just by typing into a laptop? I have no idea, but I do. I'm grateful for every one of you.

1. Moais: One of the most beautiful things I've watched happen over the years is that our Walk with a Doc chapters have become families. They remind me of the moais of Okinawa, lifelong social groups whose members support one another through every stage of life.

When someone isn't feeling well, when someone needs encouragement, or when life simply gets hard, our Walk with a Doc families show up.

This first "good thing" is simply to say thank you. Thank you for being the listening ear, the encouraging voice, and the shoulder to lean on as you walk together. You really are making the world a better place.

2. Could walking faster protect your brain? Researchers are finding that people with a brisk walking pace, sometimes called "super-movers," may have dramatically lower rates of cognitive decline. One recent report suggests the difference could be as much as 50%.

3. This made our week: we have a Google Alert set up for "Walk with a Doc," and every now and then something wonderful pops into our inbox. This recent story from Ottawa did exactly that.

A huge thank you to Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng and everyone involved for spreading health, connection, and joy in their community. Heart warming short video link in our bio!

4. One more reason to get up and move: as if better brain health weren't enough, another new study suggests that simply breaking up long periods of sitting with movement may meaningfully lower cancer risk. Small changes really can add up.

Thank you for making this community so special,

David

Read the blog at the link in our bio!

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Columbus, OH

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Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

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