Aurora Medical Center in Burlington, 2020 Community Benefit

Accessing Expert Advice in Unconventional Places

Chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and cancer can result in health complications, compromised quality of life and burgeoning health care costs. As the most common and preventable of all health issues, chronic diseases account for 86% of health care costs nationwide.
In 2017, 25% of adults in Central Racine County reported high blood pressure and 73% of adults in Central Racine County were classified as being overweight, a statistical increase from the baseline of 66% in 2005. Being classified as overweight or obese may not only increase one’s risk for high blood pressure, it could also lead to high cholesterol levels, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, some cancers, low quality of life, and other health conditions.
Walk with a Doc is a world-wide walking program for anyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. There is no better way to well-being than starting on your feet to help your heart and improve your general health through movement. While program participants walk at their own pace, they can have questions answered by local physicians.
In 2019, our hospital facilitated 12 Walk with a Doc sessions featuring 12 different physicians and engaging 260 community members. Each session featured a different topic. Some topic examples include whole health goal setting, exercise effects on diabetes and how our minds affect our bodies.