Dr. McKenna is a bariatric surgeon with Aurora BayCare. He joined us on “Wisconsin Tonight” to discuss plans for regularly-scheduled walk events designed to educate participants about wellness, weight loss and the path to a healthier lifestyle.
The Walk with a Doc with Dr. McKenna events are 30-minute walks taking place at 9:00 a.m. every third Saturday on the Aurora BayCare Medical Center campus. The Walk with a Doc events take place May 21 through October 15.
The Walk with a Doc with Dr. McKenna is an opportunity to help people get started on the path to wellness. It sounds cliché, but to embrace a new lifestyle change, you have to start somewhere. We are offering that starting point for anyone who’s interested. An analysis of data collected from 2007 to 2012 has found that 71 percent of Americans are obese or overweight. We’re offering a starting point for people interested in turning that around.
At the events, there will be experts on hand to answer questions and offer direction on healthy lifestyle changes and we’ll walk for 30 minutes through a pre-determined course. The Walk with a Doc with Dr. McKenna is an opportunity to offer participants a starting point on their individual journeys to a healthier lifestyle.
Research shows just 30 minutes of walking each day benefits the body in a number of ways, including:
* Reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes
* Maintaining body weight and lowering the risk of obesity
* Improving blood pressure and blood sugar levels
* Reducing the risk of coronary heart disease
* Enhancing mental well-being
* Improving blood lipid profile
* Reducing the risk of osteoporosis
* Reducing the risk of breast and colon cancer
It’s an entry-level, low-impact activity, significantly easier on the joints than running. It’s a great option for those essentially taking baby steps in their efforts to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Walking is safe – with a doctor’s okay – for people with orthopedic ailments, heart conditions, and those who are more than 20 percent overweight.
It’s a good idea to wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Beyond that, we are making this as welcoming as possible to encourage participation. We’re doing this rain or shine.
Participants should meet at 9 a.m. every third Saturday at Aurora BayCare Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, 1160 Kepler Drive, Green Bay. It’s on the hospital campus.
Upcoming The Walk with a Doc with Dr. McKenna events are:
* May 21
* June 18
* July 16
* August 20
* September 17
* October 15
For additional information or to RSVP, call Aurora BayCare General & Vascular Surgery at (844) 341-RSVP.
