ARTICLE
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Partners with Walk with a Doc Contact Name: Kristina Sparacino Contact Email: kristina.sparacino@lwrmc.com Contact Phone Number: 3524272108 Lakewood Ranch, Florida – December 13, 2019 – Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) is encouraging local residents to take a step toward better health by partnering with Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk at The Mall at University Town Center. Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation. Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton and Sarasota will join a growing list of communities worldwide that have started a local Walk with a Doc (WWAD) program. 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. Chief Executive Officer of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Andy Guz, stated, “Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is excited to start the first chapter in our community for the Walk with a Doc program. We believe that this will be a great benefit for local residents by providing a safe place to get their steps in while walking with a local physician.” Founder of Walk with a Doc, Dr. David Sabgir, added, “Walk with a Doc is honored to team up with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and the Mall at University Town Center. By incorporating this program into the practice, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is demonstrating an exceptional level of care and commitment to their community.” Lakewood Ranch Resident, Richard Lewis, stated, “Walk with a Doc has blossomed significantly in the past decade - cheers to Dr. David Sabgir (Westerville, Ohio – Founder) and his team. The Lakewood Ranch chapter will launch in the first quarter in 2020, which is very exciting. I believe that walking is peaceful, uninterrupted and healthy for everyone. Linking the Lakewood Ranch Community with the fast growing, evolutionary program of Walking with a Doc can only benefit our constituency. Moreover, the added incentive of a short Q and A session with a Medical Professional is a ‘home run’ for our participants.” 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 LWRMC will provide more information about the dates of the program in 2020. Learn more about Walk with a Doc at www.walkwithadoc.org. ### About Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (lwrmc.com) Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is the hospital of choice for many families in the Manatee/Sarasota region. Since it opened in 2004, the hospital has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. The Gold Seal of Approval is recognized across the nation as a symbol of quality that shows the hospital's commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center have access to a medical staff of more than 600 physicians and allied health professionals who practice in a comprehensive range of specialties and use the hospital's advanced medical technology. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital is not liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. About Walk with a Doc: WWAD is a non-profit organization that inspires communities through movement and conversation. To learn more, go to www.walkwithadoc.org. MEDIA CONTACTS: Kristina Sparacino, Director of Marketing Lakewood Ranch Medical Center kristina.sparacino@lwrmc.com