Number one prescription: “Walk!”
After a season full of holiday celebrations and the start of a new year, you may have vowed to “get back on that exercise program!” Do your New Year’s resolutions include goals like “lose weight” and “get in shape”? Do you wonder how to begin? A gym membership is great, but the answer may be much simpler than that: Walk More.
On Sunday, January 4, 2015, WABI Burien will help you start your year off right by presenting the Third Annual Walk-n-Talk-with-a-Doc.
Dr. Michael Schlitt, Neurosurgeon and Chief of Surgery at Franciscan Neurosurgery Associates, will speak to WABI walkers about the health benefits of walking, and will then join us for our walk to continue the conversation on foot. As a frequent walker himself, Dr. Schlitt “walks his talk”. The Doctor and his staff feel that walking is a key to both spinal and general health.
“At least 2/3’s of my post-surgical patients use walking as their primary mode of rehabilitation after surgery. Additionally, most patients referred for consultation actually don’t need surgery; walking is one of our key modalities for getting folks back to full function.”
Convinced of the value of walking, Dr. Schlitt will provide a FREE pedometer (to the first 44 walkers that arrive) and a copy of his walking program to each walker attending January’s Walk-n-Talk. Also, there will be tips and tidbits about how and why to integrate more walking into your life.
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2015 (Rain or shine.)
Time: Meet at 2:00. Talk by Dr. Schlitt starts at 2:15.
Walking starts at about 2:30/2:45 or so. (Time will vary depending on Q&A after Dr. Schlitt’s talk.)
Place: Meet in the multipurpose room (city council chambers behind the glass wall) on the first floor of the Burien City Hall/Public Library. 400 SW 152nd St.
Who: Walkers of every level and ability
(dogs are welcome)
Distance: About 2.25 miles, round trip, mostly flat, with some sidewalks. Walkers are welcome to walk any portion of the route, short or long, depending on their abilities, and walk at any pace that is most comfortable for them.
Route: From Burien City Hall/Public Library at Burien Town Square, west around Lake Burien, and back to Town Square Park.(See map below.)
This is a very popular event. In January 2014 there were 65 walkers filling the large Burien Community Center room, anxious to hear what Dr. Schlitt had to say. (The year prior, we filled the City Council Chambers!)
(Please click on the map for a larger view, then print it out and bring it with you to the walk.)
Intentions for Burien’s Walk-n-Talk:
- “Encourage active living to support physical and mental health.” (Part of Burien’s “Vision”.)
- Initiate conversation between friends and neighbors, new and old.
Special Thanks:
WABI Burien is grateful to Dr. Schlitt for his support of and involvement in our walking program. We also thank Burien Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services for their continued enthusiasm for WABI’s efforts.
Michael Schlitt, MD
Franciscan Neurosurgery Associates
(formerly Highline Neurosurgery at Highline Medical Center)
16259 Sylvester Rd. SW, Suite 502, Burien, WA 98166
TEL: (206) 838-7065
Burien Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
14700 6th Avenue SW, Burien, WA 98166-1545.
TEL: (206) 988-3700
