GARNETT Kan. –– Dr. Mackenzie Peterson is encouraging Anderson County residents to take a step toward better health with Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk every second Sunday of the month at 3:00 PM at North Lake Park. Participants can meet for the event at the rock stadium. In case of inclement weather, walking events will be held in Garnett Recreation Center. The first event will take place on February 8, 2026.
Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation.
“This program has had tremendous participation and success in hundreds of cities around the world,” said Dr. Peterson. “I’m very pleased to bring this exciting and simple program to Garnett as it has shown such improved health results for countless people around the world.”
The Walk is open to the community. Participation is free and pre-registration is not required. Walkers will enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating walk with Dr. Peterson and other healthcare professionals, who will provide support to participants and answer questions during the walk.
“Walk with a Doc is honored to team up with Dr. Peterson. By incorporating this program, healthcare providers are demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to their community,” said Dr. David Sabgir, founder of Walk with a Doc.
“There’s no question that increasing exercise, even moderately, reduces the risks of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, breast and colon cancer and Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Peterson. “Research has even shown that you could gain two hours of life for each hour that you exercise regularly.”
According to the American Heart Association, walking as little as 30 minutes a day can provide the following benefits:
• Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Help maintain a healthy body weight and lower the risk of obesity
• Enhance mental well-being
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
Garnett joins a growing list of communities worldwide that have started local Walk with a Doc (WWAD) programs. WWAD was started by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, OH. He has walked with patients and community members nearly every weekend since 2005.
Learn more about Walk with a Doc at www.walkwithadoc.org.
About Dr. Peterson:
Mackenzie Peterson, MD has been a physician at Family Care Center and Anderson County Hospital since 2005. She has a passion for promoting healthy lifestyles to treat and prevent chronic disease and is excited to bring a program to the community that will encourage both movement and conversation around these topics.
About Walk with a Doc:
Walk with a Doc (WWAD) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation with walking groups led by healthcare providers. Walk with a Doc was started in 2005 by David Sabgir, MD, a board-certified cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. To learn more, go to the Walk with a Doc website.
