CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A walking event at the state Capitol Complex Wednesday afternoon was all about promoting physical activity and wellness.
AARP West Virginia partnered with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department to host a Walk with a Doc event featuring KCHD Executive Director Dr. Steven Eshenaur.
Walk with a Doc is an international nonprofit organization that promotes movement in communities. Wednesday’s event was the inaugural Walk with a Doc event in Charleston, one of many planned over the coming months.
State Director for AARP in West Virginia Gaylene Miller said it was a streamlined process to launch Walk with a Doc.
“It’s a nationwide program, so they have a playbook already out there for us to use,” Miller said. “The health department approached us (AARP) about the opportunity to partner with them, Dr. Eshenaur is an advocate for keeping people active and healthy, so this seemed like a perfect fit. We’re happy that we’re able to launch here in Charleston.”
Sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s greeted those who participated in the walk around the West Virginia Culture Center. Event organizers handed out free t-shirts to walkers.
Eshenaur led a discussion on GLP-1 and weight-loss medications during the event to inform people of its pros and cons. Miller said it was an important conversation to have.
“We know that the GLP-1s and weight-loss medications are gaining popularity,” Miller said. “Folks need to know the advantages of taking them, and then any potential challenges or drawbacks to using them.”
Miller said they aim to make Walk with a Doc a monthly program featuring doctors from the area. She said they’re still solidifying the upcoming dates.
“The next walk will be announced through our social media platforms,” Miller confirmed. “We’re going to be bumping up against the 4th of July holiday if we look at that first Wednesday in July.”
“We’re weighing our options as to what the state Capitol grounds are going to look like that week,” Miller added.
Miller encouraged residents of the Kanawha Valley to participate in future Walk with a Doc events. She said physical activity is very beneficial, and the event is great way to exercise.
“It’s free and open to anyone in the community,” Miller said. “We do require a registration because we provide liability insurance if folks would happen to trip and fall, they’re covered. Again, it’s open to the public, and we encourage folks to go out and be active.”