MOUNT GILEAD — The Ohio State University Extension of Morrow County is encouraging residents to take a step toward better health with “Walk with a Doc,” a walking program that brings together doctors and participants once a month.

The program will partner with the Morrow County Community Center’s twice weekly indoor “Walking Days” program beginning in November.

The Community Center “Walking Days” program will kick off on Monday, Nov. 5 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Cherry Street gym in Mount Gilead.

Walkers will have an open gym for walking on both Monday and Wednesday mornings through Nov. 5 through March 2019. The walk will be extended to a walk outdoors around the Cherry Street block if the weather allows. There is no charge for the program and residents of all ages and abilities are welcome.

“It’s a good activity in a good environment during the winter season,” said Community Center Board President Jim Helt. “You can enjoy a relaxed walk at your own pace.”

The Community Center’s Walking Days program will include “Walk with a Doc” on one morning every month with dates to be announced. An Ohio Health or Morrow Family Health Center Physician will give a talk on a current health topic and lead the walk.

Registration for “Walk with a Doc” is not required and walkers can go at their own pace. Prize incentives will be given to the first 50 participants.

Partnering with OSU Extension and the Morrow County Community Center are: Mount Gilead School District, Morrow County Health District, and Physicians from Ohio Health and Morrow Family Health Center.

“We look forward to this collaboration to support the mission of encouraging healthy physical activity in people of all ages. We want to reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of Morrow County residents,” said Candace Heer, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator with OSU Extension-Morrow County.

The program will work in conjunction with the Morrow County Community Center “Walking Days” program held on Monday and Wednesday mornings from Nov. 5 through March 2019 at the Mount Gilead Schools Administration Building, 145 N. Cherry St. “Walk with a Doc” dates will be announced soon.

By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel