AARP Maryland Launches Walk with a Doc Chapter in Columbia

AARP Maryland is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Walk with a Doc, bringing a new chapter of the international health movement to Columbia, Maryland. Starting Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m., community members are invited to meet under the iconic People Tree sculpture near the fountain and Bailey Park at Lake Kittamaqundi (Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044). In the case of inclement weather, walkers will gather inside the food court at the Columbia Mall.

Mark your calendars—walks will take place the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m., offering a consistent and welcoming space to walk, learn, and connect. AARP will be on site, and each event will be led by physicians Dr. Anita Bajaj and Dr. Amita Rajani, who are volunteering their time to promote healthy living.

The Mission Behind Walk with a Doc
Founded in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio, Walk with a Doc began as a simple yet powerful idea. Frustrated by the effects of sedentary lifestyles on his patients, Sabgir invited them to join him for walks in a local park. That first step sparked a global movement. Today, Walk with a Doc has more than 528 chapters worldwide, offering free, doctor-led walking groups in community settings.

“The walk begins with a discussion on general health information, such as the importance of getting a flu vaccine, and then goes from there,” said Rachael Habash, chief operating officer of Walk with a Doc. While specific medical advice is not provided during the walks, doctors cover general health topics and answer broad health-related questions. Just as important as the medical insight is the sense of social connection and community that the walks foster.

Why Walking Works
Walking is a simple, accessible form of physical activity that packs a serious health punch. According to the National Institutes of Health (2022), regular walking can:

• Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
• Increase cardiovascular and lung fitness
• Lower high blood pressure and cholesterol
• Improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes
• Boost balance and bone strength
• Support mental health, especially when walking in natural settings

Each Walk with a Doc chapter commits to at least 12 walks per year in nature, reinforcing the program’s holistic approach to health.

Last year, AARP partnered with Walk with a Doc to launch six new chapters in underserved communities across the U.S. These efforts focused on increasing access to care and health information, particularly through the leadership of African American physicians serving as community role models. The initiative was so impactful that Walk with a Doc is expanding the program to eight more communities this year.

This spring, take the first step toward better health—and bring a friend! The Columbia chapter’s monthly walks are free and open to the public. Register today!

To learn more about the Walk with a Doc program, how to start a chapter, or find one near you, visit www.walkwithadoc.org.