Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2016

HEALTHY LIVING get moving for a better life
GET M VING
The Diabetes Center encourages walking through Fitbits
Tstory by Alexis Williams photos courtesy of The Diabetes Center
hree mornings a week, nurse practitioner KC Arnold
starts her days with a walk along the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge, and she’s constantly encouraging her patients at The Diabetes Center to do the same.
A few years ago, she noticed a nationwide program aimed at reversing a sedentary lifestyle and encouraging
more movement for better health. The program, Walk With a Doc, was started in Ohio by Dr. David Sabgir in 2005 and involves an organized walk with a health care provider. Arnold contacted the organization and worked to bring the program to Mississippi.
The local Walk With a Doc program meets on the second Saturday of every month, weather permitting, at the foot of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge on the Ocean Springs side. Arnold gives a brief health talk, then according to the fitness level of the group, they walk. Sometimes it’s the entire bridge; other days it’s along the beach sidewalk. She answers questions and talks to participants along the way.
Recently Arnold received a grant from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Women Entrepreneurs to grow her monthly event. “I wanted to connect with the Fitbit community,” she said. “With a $500 grant, I’ve purchased Fitbits and if we have at least 10 people show up, I give away a Fitbit.”
Arnold feels that even if people cannot attend each month, they can still walk and keep track of their steps using their new Fitbit. Users can become a member by going to www.walkwithadoc.org and finding the Ocean Springs location, then connecting with their Fitbit.
The Walk With A Doc — Ocean Springs, MS Fitbit Group has approximately 40 members, and Arnold hopes to grow this number. Each month, she gives away a gift certificate to the member who has taken the most steps that month.
“As providers, we need to be the leaders and encourage people to be healthier,” said Arnold. “We would love to prevent diabetes, but also just want people to be healthier.”
Arnold reminds that the benefits of walking include lowering blood sugar, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, improving
mental health and reducing stress.
BELOW: KC Arnold leads a group for the local Walk With a Doc program, which leaves from the foot of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge.
80 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2016
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Walk With a Doc
Second Saturday of Every Month, 8 a.m.
Foot of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge (Ocean Springs side) 228.875.3606 • www.walkwithadoc.org