Area residents can lace up their walking shoes for a healthy dose of information and exercise as Franciscan Health’s free Walk With A Doc program steps off in Michigan City on May 29.

The free 5K walks will begin at City Hall at 100 E. Michigan Blvd. at 6 p.m. Central each Wednesday May 29 through July 3 with a brief health talk by a physician or clinical staff member followed by stretching and walking through Washington Park. Registration takes place on-site only beginning at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday.

Participants need not complete the 5K walk to participate. In case of inclement weather, the walks will be cancelled.

Franciscan Health’s Walk With A Doc program is the perfect way to supplement a walking, fitness or wellness program. Walking provides multiple physical and mental health benefits, including increasing weight loss, strengthening the heart, lowering blood sugar, easing joint pain, boosting energy and improving mood.

The Walk with a Doc program is a collaboration between Franciscan Health Michigan City, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, , General Insurance Services, MDwise, the City of Michigan City and the Michigan City Police Department.

For more information, please contact Franciscan Health Michigan City Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at (219) 283-9649 or nila.williams@franciscanalliance.org.