Ottawa takes part in ‘Walk with the Doc’ event to learn about health and prevention

Tens of thousands of people in Ottawa are without a family doctor. Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng met with people at a special event Sunday to answer their questions.

Ottawa residents joined the first ever “Walk with the Doc” event at the RA Centre on Sunday to get information on health, prevention and healthy living.

In partnership with Black Med Collective, Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, head of the critical care department at the Ottawa Hospital, spent the first couple of minutes talking about a health topic before heading out for a walk with attendees where they can ask questions about a desired health-related topic.

“It was such a great idea where you got to mix knowledge and access getting to ask questions to a physician about, in this case, wellness and how to stay active and at the same time be active, encourage folks to move their bodies, to be walking, which we all know about the benefits of getting outside and enjoying that sun and moving our bodies,” Kyeremanteng said.

Michele Lanoue attended the event prepared with her vitamins list to ask questions.

“I’ve just noticed I’ve been taking vitamins forever and I just noticed that on the bottles, now they’re telling you to take two to three a day instead of just one a day. It’s increased,” said Lanoue.

She said she follows Kyeremanteng on social media but says it’s great to have the opportunity to ask questions in person.

“I saw this ‘Walk with the Doc’ and I thought that was brilliant. It’s great to bring in the physicians or specialists out into the community and non-invasive,” said Lanoue.

Organizers say the informal setting allowed people to connect with the doctor outside the clinic and to have authentic conversations about preventative medicine and wellness.

“One of the most important things, especially as leaders as physicians, is to be the change and be that example,” said Kyeremanteng.

Kyeremanteng says many don’t have access to this level of expertise.

“Doctor’s time in Canada is precious, so it’s the easiest way to get into the conversation with a doctor to understand their perspective,” said participant Olga Ialovenko.

The event encouraged people to get outside and be active while meeting other people.

“To ‘Walk with the Doc’ is movement with medicine, movement with purpose, but also movement and networking. To connect within the community feeds the soul. This is why we’re here. We’re all here collectively looking to connect and keep moving,” said participant Syreeta Barnett.

Organizers plan on holding a “Walk with the Doc” event every month.

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