Walking: A simple activity with major health benefits

Time for everybody to take a walk.

A national program dubbed “Just Walk with a Doc” that is intended to promote the health benefits of walking is coming to Sacramento on Saturday at Capitol Park.

There have been billboards around town donated by the outdoor advertisers’ association to promote the effort, and sponsors include the CMA Foundation, Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, and Whole Foods’ Market. 

The walk is planned to begin near the Capitol North Steps. Registration is at 8 a.m., with the event scheduled to get under way at 9 .m.

“Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, elevate your mood, and reduce your risk of osteoporosis, cancer and diabetes,” according to “Just Walk with a Doc.”  The California Medical Association noted that walking provides “healthy physical activity in people of all ages and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of the country.”

Along with Sabgir, others scheduled to participate at Saturday’s event include Paul R. Phinney, MD, President- Elect California Medical Association; Assemblyman Richard Pan, MD; Susan Holshouser, president of Clear Channel North; and Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna.

Other events scheduled:

Saturday, October 27, 2012
LOCATION: McKinley Park
Alhambra and H Streets, Sacramento
TIME: Registration starts at 8:00a.m..Walk starts at 8:30a.m.

Saturday, November 3, 2012
LOCATION: Tahoe Park
8th Avenue and 61st Street, Sacramento
TIME: Registration starts at 8:00a.m..Walk starts at 8:30a.m.

Saturday, November 10, 2012
LOCATION: UC Davis Arboretum
Wyatt Deck on Old Davis Road, Davis
TIME: Registration starts at 8:00a.m..Walk starts at 8:30a.m.

Saturday, November 17, 2012
LOCATION: Southside Park
Between W and T Streets at 6th Street, Sacramento
TIME: Registration starts at 8:00a.m..Walk starts at 8:30a.m. 

For more details of the program, click here.