On Saturday, Our Lady of the Angels Hospital will kick off its second “Walk With a Doc” walking program at 9 a.m. in Goodyear Park. Walkers will join hospital doctors and team members for a refreshing and rejuvenating walk with a purpose during this 12-week event.

Walk With a Doc is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages, and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.

“This program has already had a tremendous response in our community, averaging nearly 30 walkers per week throughout our fall session,” Dr. Owen Grove said. “Participants lost more than 50 pounds and nearly 200 inches collectively, in our first 12 weeks.”

The Walk With a Doc will be held every Saturday, from Jan. 6 through March 24, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m., at Goodyear Park, located next to the YMCA on Avenue B in Bogalusa. Exercise with friends and get free body composition screenings on weeks 1, 6 and 12.

Attend 10 out of the 12 weeks and receive a free insulated bag. All walkers will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Drawings will be held at the conclusion of the walk on March 24. Must be present to win.

Our Lady of the Angels doctors encourage anyone in the community to join the walk. This is a free program and pre-registration is not required. Follow us on Facebook for information on future walks @OurLadyoftheAngelsHospital.

Why walk? According to the American Heart Association, walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Think it doesn’t do any good? Think again. Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day can have the following health benefits:

• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
• Enhance mental well-being.
• Improve blood lipid profile.
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.
• Reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Walking is low impact — it is easier on the joints than running. It is safe — with a doctor’s approval — for people with orthopedic ailments, heart conditions, and those who are more than 20 percent overweight. In addition, research has shown that you could gain two hours of life for each hour of regular exercise.

Make walking a part of your fitness regimen this year. Join your doctor and other people looking to improve their health at the next Walk With a Doc event. Ask your doctor for details.