Valley Health Launching 'A Weekly Walk With A Doctor' Series

RIDGEWOOD, NJ –A group of area doctors want to help people of all ages take steps to becoming healthier.

On Sept. 12, Valley Health System will kick off “Valley Walks – A Weekly Walk With A Doctor” in Ridgewood, offering locals a chance to develop a healthy habit while learning more about topics such as heart disease, stress management and cancer screenings.

The weekly series will be offered Thursdays at 7 a .m. - weather permitting - at Veterans Field, which is behind the Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N Maple Ave. Free parking is available behind the library. There is no cost to attend.

Valley Health System doctors will lead the free 30-minute walks and will offer health-related information, as well as answer general questions. The walk’s pace will be one that is accommodating to all participants, according to Valley.

Dr. Eleonara Teplinsky, Head of Breast Medical Oncology at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, along with Dr. Kariann Abbate and Dr. Benita Burke, two Valley Medical Group cardiologists, who believe developing healthy habits is important, whether as part of an overall wellness strategy or while coping with a chronic disease.

“We launched this program because we understand that talking care of yourself involves so much more than just taking pills,” said Burke.

The first walk will be led by Teplinsky, who will focus on breast cancer prevention. Future weekly walks will cover topics such as headaches and migraines, nutrition, weight management, joint pain, stress management, cancer screening and heart disease, according to Valley Health.

Teplinsky, known as @drteplinsky on Instagram, has a growing social media following and is the host of a podcast called INTERLUDE, where she features women who openly and poignantly discuss and share their cancer journeys with listeners.

“I look forward to meeting members of the community who want to start their day with an inspirational walk,” she said. “Exercise in a group is terrific motivation, and gathering to do so can be a wonderful way to support each other. I look forward to seeing all the walkers.

A growing number of hospitals around the country are offering similar programs in an effort to promote “lifestyle medicine,” which is a movement that leads to enhanced well being and improved health outcomes.

For a complete list of upcoming health topics and to register for a walk, visit ValleyHealth.com/ValleyWalks. For more information, call 201-634-5341.