Rush Health System "Walk with A Doc" Program

Rush Health System launched a new program called “Walk with A Doc”. It is a health initiative designed to bring patients and doctors together. Twin States News spoke with a Rush Health System doctor about the program.

Tomorrow Rush Health System will be launching its first of many “Walk with A Doc” events. Interventional cardiologist, Dr. Daniel Evans tells us more about the program:

“Walk with a Doc is a chance to talk with a physician about your situation, ask any questions in an informal, very calm environment.”

The event will take place at Bonita Lakes Park and is free and open to the public.

“A relaxed environment, when you are outside, going for a walk; people are much more comfortable asking what they think are silly questions, which are some of the most important questions.”, said Dr. Evans. “When they are not in a little room worried about their co-pay. We can just have a conversation which is very helpful to the public.”

Dr. Evans is the person who introduces the program to the Rush Health System. He believes it will be great for the Meridian community.

“This community needs more exercise, and we have a beautiful facility at Bonita Lakes that encourages exercise. Any activity is an improvement and it’s a part of my mission in life; to improve people’s overall health, exercise is a vital part of that.”

Twin States News visited Bonita Lakes, to ask people what they think about the program. Tyler Ruffin, who says he lost a significant amount of weight from running in the park, believes it’s a great idea.

“It sounds like a good situation, where you can actually talk to people and get feedback”, stated Ruffin. “It would help us a lot because a lot of people are overweight. If it can help me, it can help them.”

The walks will be held every last Saturday in the month with different specialists. This month is focused on cardiology.

“Any activity, any walking, stairs, standing up at tv commercial. Any physical activities improve your overall health. Particularly your cardiovascular health”, explained Dr. Evans. “Anything we can do to encourage people to reach the goal of walking 30 minutes at a gentle pace for five days out of the week is helpful. We know that that reverses heart disease.”

The walk will begin at the first pavilion in Bonita Lakes tomorrow morning, February 26th, starting at 8:30 a.m.