Downtown Doc Walks Off on
the Right Foot
Participants
in Downtown Doc Walks have already accumulated more than half a million steps
since Winfield’s free community walking program began in November.
Through
a partnership between William Newton Hospital and Winfield Area Chamber of
Commerce, Downtown Doc Walks meet-ups occur at 4:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.
Program
Coordinator Sarah Johnson, William Newton Hospital’s director of marketing,
strategy, and communications, says Downtown Doc Walks has exceeded
expectations. Johnson notes walks have averaged 35 participants, though
research indicated organizers could expect 15-20.
“We
looked at other walking programs, but decidedly took a more collaborative
approach,” explains Johnson. “Winfield is a forward-thinking, community-minded
area, and the idea of combining local businesses, healthcare, and wellness has
really taken off.”
Each
walk starts with a quick health talk by a local healthcare provider and is
sponsored by a different Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce business. One-mile
walks start at the chamber office with a stop at the sponsoring business for a
healthy snack and water provided by Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Winfield.
Last
fall, Downtown Doc Walks received start-up assistance from RISE Cowley, and the
program is supported in part by William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s Beats Go
On community wellness initiative. Beats Go On contributions provide incentives
for ongoing participation. On their second walk, participants earn a water
bottle. For the fifth walk, a T-shirt is provided. A hat is awarded for the
tenth walk. Additionally, the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce holds a drawing
for $20 in chamber checks at each walk.
Downtown
Doc Walks recently celebrated its eighth walk in July with a stop at Werner
Creek Farm Store, which featured fresh, homemade snacks made from locally grown
produce.
“The
program brings awareness to downtown businesses, creates a low-barrier
opportunity to be active, and offers practical health tips from local experts,”
says Johnson.
Downtown
Doc Walks welcomes participants of all ages. The event typically lasts under 45
minutes. Brief health talks are presented by local physicians, physician’s
assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other healthcare
professionals. Members of the William Newton Hospital Rehabilitation Services
team are slated to talk on August 3, with a stop at Strong Fitness on North
Main Street.
“Hundreds
of people work in the downtown area,” explains Johnson. “Workplaces are
encouraged to support staff in taking a late afternoon break to participate.
What’s better than good company, a little learning, and free food?”
No
pre-registration is necessary. A Facebook group has been created for
participants to stay up-to-date about monthly walks. If weather conditions are
not conducive to walking, the event will be relocated to the Winfield Recreation
Commission gymnasium.
For
questions about Downtown Doc Walks, contact Sarah Johnson at William Newton
Hospital at 620-222-6262.
