Semiahmoo Peninsula doctors are advising their community to walk it out tomorrow (Friday) for the third annual Walk With Your Doc event in White Rock.
The walk will kick off at Centennial Park, 14600 North Bluff Rd., at 11:30 a.m.
This year, the physicians have teamed up with the city for the event in honour of Move for Health Day.
South Surrey’s Dr. Steve Larigakis has been participating in the walk for the three years it’s taken place on the Peninsula. He noted that the goal is to get both doctors and the public alike up and active.
“We’re human, too. We need to get our exercise, too. And part of it is getting the doctors out. We get so involved in our work and we don’t exercise as much as we should or could,” he told Peace Arch News last week. “It’s a terrific opportunity to set an example and be out with the community with your patients.”
Larigakis added that nearly half of the community’s residents are inactive, which can later put a strain on their health.
He recalled his own experience with aggressive immunoblastic lymphoma in 2011 and credits his healthy, active lifestyle for helping his recovery.
“Exercise does help,” he said. “We want to encourage the whole spectrum of the community. No one is too old to start exercising. No matter what state your health is in, you can always do things to improve on it.
“About 40 per cent of people don’t get enough activity. And we know that activity increases health and reduces risks of problem.”
The annual event is also an opportunity to meet doctors and interact outside of an appointment, Kay Abelson, program co-ordinator for the White Rock-South Surrey Division of Family Practice, said.
“It makes it informal,” she said, noting that dozens turned out for last year’s event.
Prior to the walk, everyone is introduced and the purpose of the walk is explained. Once the walk kicks off, conversations can start, Larigakis said, adding that people of all ages come to take part, including families, seniors and youth.
“It inspires us to be active and hopefully, it inspires others,” he said.
“It breaks down barriers and allows us to get engaged with people in the community directly and show we’re concerned about community health, and not just for patients in the office.
“We’re community-minded and I think people appreciate that.”
For more information on the walk or other Move for Health day events, visit www.whiterockcity.ca