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Time again to Walk with your Doc

The provincial-wide intiative is in its third year in Hope
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Thirty-three physicians, nurses and patients walked together in last year’s annual Walk With Your Doc event in Hope. Emelie Peacock/Hope Standard

Slip on your runners and tie your laces, it’s time again to hit the pavement with your doctor in the annual Walk with your Doc event, which is in its third year in Hope.

Held on Thursday, May 9, at 12:30 p.m., the lunch-time event is a “great way to interact with the community, and make a presence outside of the clinic (for staff). It’s about the community seeing us active and leading by example,” said Debra Elliott, health services coordinator for Hope and Fraser Canyon.

A province-wide initiative, the Walk is happening at different times during the second week of May in different communities, but the goal is always the same. Sponsored by Doctors of B.C. provincially, and the Chilliwack Division of Family Practice locally, Elliott says there will be free pedometers given away at the event, “and for the first time ever, we also have participant T-shirts to give away. Both are while supplies last, though.”

Attendees will also get a sandwich and a bottle of water, so not only do locals get to get out for a walk with their friends and neighbours in this free, family-friendly event, but they also get a free lunch out of the deal.

“And this year it would be nice to have more participants than staff,” Elliott added. More people attended the second year than attended the first, but they’re still outnumbered by the dozen clinic staff, which includes four doctors and a nurse practitioner.

So the more the merrier. “We know it’s not easy for everyone to come out, but it’s there and this year we hope to see (as many people as possible), and we walk rain or shine … but a nice, easy walk that’s only about 15 or 20 minutes long.”

Participants are asked to meet at the bandstand at 3rd Avenue and Park Street during the lunch hour.

For more information about Walk with your Doc, please visit the initiative’s website at WalkWithYourDoc.ca.


 

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