Oswestry’s free monthly Walk with a Doc group is continuing to help local people take simple steps towards better physical and mental wellbeing.
Launched in November by retired GP Dr Dawn Milner, the group meets at Cae Glas Park gates at 10.30am on the second Tuesday of every month, bringing people together for health advice, fresh air, gentle exercise and friendly conversation.
“We now have some regular walkers joining us each month and it’s always a lively hour’s get-together,” says Dawn, who previously worked as a GP at Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre and at the Department of Health.
“The aim is to share useful health information, make friends and enjoy exercise outdoors. I’m hoping more people will come along and take important steps towards improving their health.”
Each walk begins with a short talk on a different health topic before the group sets off. Recent discussions have covered high blood pressure, bowel cancer, stress management and the importance of fibre.
The June walk focused on skin cancer awareness, highlighting the importance of protecting skin and spotting possible warning signs. Walkers discussed risk factors, sun protection and the ABCDE guide for checking changes in moles — looking out for Asymmetry, Border changes, Colour changes, Diameter and Evolving marks.
Dawn first discovered Walk with a Doc while attending an international Nutrition in Medicine conference in Washington DC, where she joined an early morning walk around the National Mall.
“The location was stunning, but what really stood out was meeting and chatting to other walkers,” she says.
On returning home, Dawn was inspired by Dr Sue Smith’s established Walk with a Doc group on the Wirral and decided to bring the initiative to Oswestry.
Founded in 2005 by American cardiologist Dr David Sabgir in Columbus, Ohio, Walk with a Doc began when he invited patients to join him for a walk, knowing the benefits movement could bring. It has since grown into a worldwide movement.
The Oswestry group combines four important elements — exercise, social connection, time outdoors and health education.
Dawn has also recently visited Plas Ffynnon GP practice to share information with patients about the initiative and encourage more people to get involved.
People of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels are welcome. The walks are free and friendly, with no special equipment needed — just comfortable shoes and a willingness to join in.
For more information about Walk with a Doc Oswestry, contact Dr Dawn Milner:
Email: dawn14milner@gmail.com
Or come along to the next walk — meeting at Cae Glas Park gates, Oswestry, on the second Tuesday of each month at 10.30am.
The motto is simple: educate, exercise, empower.
Dr Dawn Milner sharing the benefits of Walk with a Doc with patients at Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre.
