by Rachel Hunter
More than 20 participants from across the North Country and beyond gathered in Gouverneur on Saturday, Jan. 10 for the latest Walk With A Doc event at the Gouverneur Middle School. Neighbors, families, and health‑minded residents joined local medical professionals for a relaxed, conversation‑filled walk, reflecting the program’s growing appeal among those who value movement, connection, and community wellness.
The feature presentation was led by Brittany Terpstra, PA, of the Community Health Center of the North Country, who delivered an energetic and practical demonstration focused on unconventional ways to stay healthy while staying active inside through the winter months. Terpstra emphasized that movement is accessible to everyone, demonstrating how even simple walking‑in‑place exercises can build strength. She also introduced a progression of squat variations, each tailored to different ability levels, ensuring every participant could engage safely and confidently. Using a simple couch as her teaching tool, she showed how residents can safely modify the exercise for support, balance, or added challenge. She also suggested using common household items for light weight training, showing participants how everyday objects can double as simple strength‑building tools. Her message was clear and empowering: winter doesn’t have to slow anyone down, and small, adaptable exercises can make a meaningful difference in daily health and strength.
Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur officially kicked off with participants taking full advantage of the safe, well‑lit, and easily accessible indoor venue at the Gouverneur Middle School. Before the walk began, Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly highlighted an important community resource: the district’s open‑hall walking program, which provides residents with a free, weather‑proof way to stay active throughout the winter. The Middle School is open for hall walking on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 4:00–8:00 p.m., while the Elementary School welcomes walkers on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:00–8:00 p.m. Community members of all ages are invited to participate, and those interested are encouraged to register at either school’s main office. For more info, visit www.gcsk12.org.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Walk With a Doc is a local chapter of an international 501(c)3 that is inspiring communities through movement and conversation. With an aim to make hope and health accessible to everyone around the world, the doctor-led walking groups are safe, fun and a free place to get in some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends. Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur is made possible thanks to the Community Health Center of the North Country and the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department.
Walk With A Doc was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, over 100 people showed up, energized and ready to move.
Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has grown as a grassroots effort with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A doctor gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. In 2009, Walk With A Doc became an official 501(c)(3) and added an Executive Director with a focus on building a program that could easily be implemented by interested doctors in other cities around the country. As a result of these efforts, the reach of Walk with a Doc now extends all around the globe with over 500 chapters worldwide, including Walk with a FUTURE Doc chapters led by medical students.
Walking was recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States of America as one of the single most important things we can do for our health. is the time to join the movement in making health and happiness accessible for all.
Walk With A Doc has released a list of 100 reasons why walking is important, and it can be viewed online at walkwithadoc.org. Did you know that walking is one of the best things you can do for your health? Many diseases, conditions, and ailments can be prevented or even healed by participating in regular physical activity. Fortunately, even moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can provide these health benefits.
All are welcome to join Walk With A Doc events in the North Country. Upcoming events will be announced in the Gouverneur Tribune Press’ community calendar. For more information about Walk With A Doc, visit walkwithadoc.org.