Physician

tation of the walks continued to circulate by way of medical associations, physicians, health agencies and individual participants. Sabgir continued providing information and organizational help through his office and at his expense.

In 2009, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield gave Sabgir a grant that allowed him to open a headquarters and hire an executive director, Kathryn Stephens – an Otterbein College graduate, Westerville resident and mother of two young sons. The office is a building near Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital. Sabgir, a hospital staff member, has his office in the adjacent building.

Thanks to the annual Antrim grants and other support, the office provides a “tool kit” to those who want to start a walk program. It contains information, posters, guidelines to be followed, pedometers and even prescription pads with pre-printed invitations to walk, which physicians can hand out to patients. Sabgir still pays for the website.

Sabgir, a 41-year-old father of two, works out daily – swimming, biking or running. He’s quick to point out that simply walking regularly can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and various forms of cancer, as well as reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to name just a few benefits.

While obesity is the most common problem walkers have, Sabgir says, “Ninety-five percent of the people we see are under 150 minutes a week” being active. Recently, Sabgir attended an American Heart Association scientific conference in Orlando, Fla., where he heard numerous reports about research into genetics and related physiological traits, seeking clues for cures for all sorts of diseases.

He wasn’t especially impressed.

“We have a miracle drug (walking, exercise) right in front of us,” Sabgir says. “Let’s do this instead of spending a bazillion bucks” on endless research for cures.

In the Westerville area, Sabgir weekly meets a group that ranges in size from 10 to 200 people, depending on the weather, in Highbanks Metro Park. During the winter, that group, one from the Westerville Community Recreation Center and two others in northern Franklin County meet each Saturday at the Polaris Fashion Place mall before it opens.

Other groups meet in Tuttle and Eastland malls, Stephens says, while a Grove City group walks outdoors year round. Sabgir goes to about 42 walks a year.

For indoor sessions, doctors from the other groups rotate as leaders. Sabgir attends no matter who’s leading, though. Stephens, also physically active, visits various groups to become acquainted and join the walks.

Walkers go at their own speed. Some can walk “only five minutes.” Participants are urged to walk as fast as they can and still carry on a conversation, so speeds vary and are not set in stone. Nor is distance. It’s time that matters, Sabgir says.

Volpil serves as a prime example of the effect the program can have on people who are inactive, ailing or overweight.

“I was in poor health, I am overweight. I have heart disease and diabetes,” says Volpi, 65. “Since I started the program (two years ago), I have lost 40 pounds and have, by doctors’ orders, stopped taking two medications.”

Volpi sometimes walks a while before Saturday sessions, and usually afterward as well. As a result, “endurance and vitals have improved,” Volpi says. In addition, he tries to take 10,000 steps during the week. Walk with a Doc has made a huge difference in his outlook, he says.

“I have found doctors who believe in working with people at no cost to help them stay and get better,” says Volpi.

Volpi’s not short on praise for Sabgir, either. “He provides education, inspiration to help people,” Volpi says. “He’s very encouraging. It’s a tremendous program.”

Not everyone who participates starts in less-than-optimal health. Anne VanBuskirk of Westerville has joined most weekly outings, but she walked regularly before they started.

“I am a distance walker, having completed four marathons and about 18 half-marathons,” VanBuskirk says. “I really enjoy the social aspect of the walks and the opportunity for people to get medical information to which they might not otherwise be exposed. The message is terrific – to help people be more proactive about their health in a non-threatening, non-judgmental environment.”

For more information on the program, visit www.walkwithadoc.org.

Duane St. Clair is a contributing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com.