Healthy Berkeley, Martinsburg Farmers Market announce Walk With A Doc Program

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Healthy Berkeley and the Martinsburg Farmers Market are sponsoring a new walking program. Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle and, at the same time, having the opportunity to have questions answered by local physicians.

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 is low impact and easier on the joints than running. 

With a doctor’s O.K., walking is safe for people with orthopaedic 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. That quick stroll around the block seems a little more worthwhile now, doesn’t it?

The first Walk with a Doc will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the square in downtown Martinsburg. Emma Morton-Eggleston, M.D., M.P.H., board-certified endocrinologist with University Endocrinology Associates in Martinsburg, will lead the walk. The 1-mile walk will start at 4:45 p.m.

Walk with a Doc will be held the third Friday of the month at 4:30 p.m. throughout the summer in conjunction with the Martinsburg Farmers Market, which runs May 19 through Sept. 1. Visit the Healthy Berkeley Facebook page for program updates.  

You don’t need any special gear, and there are no special rules. Just put on a pair of comfortable shoes, and come out and Walk with a Doc to get yourself started on the road to good health.

For more information, contact Dana M. DeJarnett, health promotion coordinator, WVU Medicine and The Wellness Center at Berkeley Medical Center at 304-264-1287, ext. 31814 or ddejarnett@wvumedicine.org.