by Rachel Hunter
On January 10 at 10 a.m., the Gouverneur community will once again lace up their sneakers and step into a healthier new year as Walk With A Doc returns to the Gouverneur Middle School. The free, physician‑led walking program—part of an international movement to make physical activity more accessible, enjoyable, and community‑driven—invites residents of all ages and fitness levels to join in a morning of conversation, connection, and gentle exercise.
Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur is sponsored by the Community Health Center of the North Country in partnership with the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, with support from the Gouverneur Central School District. As a local chapter of an international 501(c)(3), these community health partners have embraced the Walk With A Doc model as a simple but powerful way to improve wellness in the North Country. Participants will gather inside the Gouverneur Middle School, ensuring that winter weather won’t stand in the way of a brisk, energizing walk.
Founded in 2005 by cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir in Columbus, Ohio, Walk With A Doc has grown into a global movement with chapters in more than 500 communities across the United States and around the world. The concept is intentionally simple: bring people together for a short health talk, then walk side by side with a physician or health professional who can answer questions, offer encouragement, and help participants build confidence in their own wellness journey.
Walking itself is one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise, yet its impact on overall health is remarkably powerful. Just 20 to 30 minutes a day can strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and help regulate blood pressure. Because walking is low‑impact, it’s gentle on joints while still engaging major muscle groups, making it an ideal activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. Beyond physical benefits, walking reduces stress, boosts mood, and supports clearer thinking. The steady rhythm of movement helps calm the nervous system, while exposure to fresh air and natural light can lift energy levels throughout the day. Walking also supports healthy weight, balance, and long‑term mobility—and because it requires no equipment or special training, it becomes a sustainable habit for many. Perhaps most importantly, walking builds connection. Whether shared with friends, family, or community groups like Walk With A Doc, it turns exercise into a social, encouraging experience that strengthens both the body and the bonds that hold communities together.
At its core, Walk With a Doc is built on a mission to make physical activity and health education accessible to everyone. The program is rooted in the belief that walking is one of the most effective tools for preventing disease, improving mood, and supporting long‑term wellness—and that people are more likely to stay active when they feel supported, informed, and connected. By creating a relaxed, friendly environment where questions feel welcome and conversations unfold naturally, Walk With A Doc breaks down barriers between residents and healthcare professionals. Instead of a clinical setting, participants meet their local physicians on equal footing—walking side by side, sharing stories, and learning in real time. The organization also works to reduce isolation, build community bonds, and encourage sustainable habits that fit into everyday life. Through free, physician‑led walks, the program empowers people of all ages and abilities to take small, consistent steps toward better health.
The January 10 event will begin with a brief introduction from Brittany Terpstra, PA, of the Community Health Center of the North Country. Afterward, participants will walk laps around the school building at whatever pace feels comfortable. Some will walk briskly, others will stroll, and many will fall into easy conversation with neighbors they haven’t seen since before the holidays. Organizers emphasize that the walk is not a race, competition, or fitness test. It is, instead, a celebration of movement—one that encourages people to take small, sustainable steps toward better health.
The Gouverneur Middle School provides a safe, accessible, climate‑controlled space for the event, making it ideal for participants of all ages. Parents with strollers, older adults, and individuals with mobility concerns are all welcome. The indoor setting also ensures that the walk will proceed regardless of snow, cold, or icy sidewalks—an important consideration in the North Country’s unpredictable January weather.
In addition to the walk itself, participants will have the opportunity to connect with local health resources. Many attendees appreciate the chance to ask questions in a setting that feels more relaxed than a traditional medical appointment. Walk With A Doc events also highlight the importance of preventive care. By offering free, accessible programming, local health partners hope to empower residents to take proactive steps toward wellness, even during the long winter months when physical activity can be harder to maintain.
The January 10 walk is expected to draw a mix of returning participants and first‑time walkers. Organizers encourage newcomers to give it a try, emphasizing that there is no pressure to walk quickly or for a long duration. Even a few laps can make a difference. For many, the social aspect is just as meaningful as the physical one. Past participants have described the walks as uplifting, motivating, and even therapeutic.
As the new year begins, Walk With A Doc offers a timely opportunity for residents to set positive intentions, build healthy habits, and enjoy the simple pleasure of moving together. Whether someone is looking to improve their fitness, learn more about health topics, or simply spend time with others, the Walk With A Doc event promises a warm welcome. There is no registration required, and the event is completely free.
Organizers hope that the January walk will set the tone for a year of continued community engagement and wellness programming. Additional Walk With A Doc events are expected throughout 2026, offering ongoing opportunities for residents to stay active and connected.
As Gouverneur steps into the new year, Walk With A Doc stands as a reminder that health doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a pair of comfortable shoes, a welcoming community, and a willingness to take that first step.