LAFAYETTE COUNTY — Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County is encouraging Lafayette County residents to take a step towards better health and join them for Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings providers and patients together to walk and talk about a variety of timely health and wellness topics that are important to the community.

MHLC’s Walk with a Doc is just one of several upcoming events and programs offered by MHLC as a part of its “Healthier Lafayette County” initiative. Each walk will take place on the first Thursday of the month, rain, or shine, kicking off at 5 p.m. on April 1 at the Lafayette County Fairgrounds, 852 E. Louisa Street, Darlington. All community members are invited to attend this free recurring event that will feature a rotating line-up of MHLC Champions from its clinics and hospital-based health services. No reservations are required, and an adult walker must accompany those under the age of 18. 

Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation, promote physical activity, and step-up awareness about healthy eating to help improve the nation’s heart health.

“MHLC has been wanting to form a program like this and Walk with a Doc has had tremendous participation and success in hundreds of towns and cities around the world,” said Amy Tibbits, PA-C, one of the providers from the MHLC Primary Care Clinic in Darlington. Tibbitts will be MHLC’s first Walk with a Doc host. “I’m excited that we’ve brought this simple and fun program to Lafayette County, and I look forward to leading our first event, which I’m hoping will have a great turnout,” she said.

“Walk with a Doc is honored to team up with Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County. By incorporating this program into their practices and hospital, this team is demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to their community,” said Dr. David Sabgir, founder of Walk with a Doc. “Adding ten minutes of walking to your daily routine and swapping out bad fats with good fats at mealtime are examples of small, easy changes that can make a big difference in the health of your heart.”

Kathy Kuepers, CEO of MHLC, said it’s one thing for to talk about the importance of physical activity to improve health, and another to walk the talk. “We are thrilled to join Walk with a Doc and proud to be one of its newest walk chapters in the state.”