OVERVIEW
Just Walk is a McMaster affiliated program that hosts free walks led by local healthcare professionals.
To begin the walk, the healthcare professional will give a brief presentation on a health topic. Following this, volunteers and Just Walk Coordinators will lead participants on a walk at their own pace. Each event (presentation + walk) will be 1-hour in length.
Due to COVID-19, Just Walk’s programming will be postponed until further notice. We will notify our participants of any updates we receive in regard to resuming our walks. For updates and information on COVID-19 and programming through the university, visit McMaster’s COVID-19 website here. Stay safe and stay well everyone!
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Our Story
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Walk with a Doc Worldwide
The Walk with a Doc initiative was founded in 2005 by Ohio cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir. Dr. Sabgir began hosting weekly walks for his patients in the hopes that he would be able to encourage them to lead active, healthy lives more effectively than by simply advising them to walk on their own. The organization now facilitates over 500 chapters worldwide.
Just Walk, a program that emerged from the original Walk with a Doc initiative, focuses on involving all healthcare professionals, including physicians.

Just Walk Hamilton-Burlington
While Walk with a Doc and Just Walk Chapters have helped thousands of individuals commit to a healthy lifestyle across the U.S., only 7 chapters have been implemented in Canada – we’re one of them!
As the only Just Walk program in Canada, our team is looking to provide people living in Hamilton, Burlington and surrounding areas with the opportunity to walk and talk with their local professionals. Our goal is to increase access within our communities to credible health information and safe opportunities to exercise, all at no cost to our participants.
Get Started
Due to COVID-19, Just Walk’s programming will be postponed until further notice. We will notify our participants of any updates we receive in regard to resuming our walks. For updates and information on COVID-19 and programming through the university, visit McMaster’s COVID-19 website here. Stay safe and stay well everyone!
Want to stay up-to-date as walks are scheduled?
Make sure to join our email list!
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What to Expect
Walk meeting locations and times will be posted in advance and regularly on the listing above. Any cancellations due to extreme weather will also be posted on our website, Facebook page and circulated via our email list.
Join our email list to receive the updates!
What to Bring
Water and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Winter boots with reasonable tread are recommended during the winter months. Come alone or with a friend, a family member, a neighbour – kids and pets are welcome!
Walking Resources
Walking is the ideal form of exercise for people of all ages. These resources can be referred to get the safest, full experience.

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If you are looking to start walking more regularly, we would first like to congratulate you on taking steps toward a healthier you!
Here (PDF) are our top tips on how to stay safe on the roads and/or trails.
In summary:
- Consider the weather conditions
- Tell a friend where you are going and for how long
- Choose appropriate footwear
- Keep right on the sidewalk
- Be safe and seen by drivers
- Walking should not be painful – seek medical advice if you experience pain while walking
Remaining accountable to your goals is one of the toughest things to accomplish when it comes to engaging in physical activity, but it doesn’t have to be!
Many of our participants find that keeping track of their progress on paper helps to keep them accountable. Give it a try and download our free walking log below.
Walking can keep important systems in our body healthy and high functioning at every age.
Learn about the benefits of walking for brain, heart, bone, and digestive health here (PDF).
Just Walk Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee
Dr. Haider Saeed
Associate Lead Physician, Hamilton Family Health Team; Assistant Clinical Professor, McMaster University Department of Family Medicine

Advisory Committee
Dr. Julie Richardson
Assistant Dean, McMaster School of Rehabilitation Sciences

Advisory Committee
Dr. Lori Letts
Professor, McMaster School of Rehabilitation Sciences; Assistant Dean, McMaster Occupational Therapy Program
Advisory Committee
Celeste Petrusevski
PhD Candidate, McMaster Physiotherapy Program

Advisory Committee
Jill Berridge
BHSc PT, BA(Hons) PE
Clinic Director, McMaster Family Practice

Advisory Committee
Don Curry
Health Promotion Specialist, Public Health Services, City of Hamilton
Advisory Committee
Jake Tumber
Physiotherapist from Burlington Community Access to Rehabilitative Services (B-CARS)

Advisory Committee
Dr. James Gillet
Associate Dean of Grad Studies and Research in the Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University

Advisory Committee
Wayne Terryberry
President of the Ontario Trails Council; President of the Hamilton Burlington Trails Council
Advisory Committee
Stuart Phillips
Director, Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE); Director, McMaster Centre for Nutrition, Exercise; and Health Research, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1)
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Contact Us
Interested in becoming involved? Questions, comments, concerns? We’re happy to chat!
Email us at any time at info.walkwithadoc@gmail.com give us a call at 905 525 9140 x26384
To contact our coordinator, email Jessica Han at hanj51@mcmaster.ca or Wayne Terryberry at terryber@mcmaster.ca
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Volunteer Opportunities
Stay tuned about volunteer opportunities for 2020/21!