Walk With a Doc Goes Green for St. Patrick’s Day

Fun and fitness are key parts of the Walk With A Doc program offered to the public for FREE at the Hancock Wellness Centers in Greenfield and McCordsville.   This week, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Dr. Meg Fitzsimmons greeted McCordsville walkers at Hancock Wellness Center with green shirts, shamrock beads, glow sticks, prizes and important tips for improving health.

“Walking is a great way to develop or maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Fitzsimmons.  “The health benefits of walking are substantial.  Walking improves your blood pressure, strengthens your heart, helps with weight loss and improves mental health as well.”

Jim Meek knows these benefits first-hand.  Jim has been coming to the Walk With A Doc program since the program started in McCordsville a year ago. He enjoys his time walking with Dr. Fitzsimmons and other community members.   “I never miss coming to this program,” says Jim.  “I love to walk and I look forward to coming every other week. Walking helps me in so many ways and I make it a priority.”

“I like the exercise I can get while walking, but I also really like the fellowship that you can get at Walk With A Doc. The people here are so friendly and welcoming.  You can walk in a nice, warm place with people who also want to be healthy,” said Jim.

With nearly all participants donning their St. Patrick’s Day green and greeting each other with warm smiles and waves, the energy in McCordsville is contagious and encouraging.

Jeff and Cary Nordyke recently heard about the program and have quickly became regular Walk With A Doc attendees.  “We like the opportunity to get to know the Hancock doctors outside of the office,” said Jeff.  “We walk with Dr. Fitzsimmons and the other doctors or staff who come.  It is a unique experience.  We talk while we walk and it helps to get to know them as people, ask them questions, and just enjoy who they are – all while we are getting exercise.”

Cary agrees with Jeff and encourages others to try Walk With A Doc for the physical and mental health benefits.  “Walking is a great way to get exercise and that can be hard at times, especially when it’s colder outside,” adds Cary.  “This program is great because you can go at a nice, relaxed pace on the indoor track, meet new people and you feel good when you are done.  It really is a fun program and I recommend it.”

Walk With A Doc meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays at Hancock Wellness in McCordsville.  Or, the first and third Tuesdays at Hancock Wellness in Greenfield.

To learn more about the Walk With A Doc program, contact Hancock Wellness  in Greenfield at (317) 468.6100 at the McCordsville location at (317) 335.6939.