For Immediate Release:
January 31, 2013

Southcoast's "Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc" monthly walking program scheduled for February 9

Dartmouth walk to be led by James Fingleton, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery

James Fingleton, MD Download hi-res image

DARTMOUTH, Mass. — On Saturday, February 9, Southcoast™ Health System will host the February edition of "Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc," a community walk lead by Southcoast cardiothoracic surgeon and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, James Fingleton, MD.

Southcoast physicians want to help guide you on the path to good health with a monthly walking program that is designed to get people up, moving and enjoying some beautiful walks throughout the South Coast region.

"Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc" will take place on Saturday, February 9, at 9 a.m. inside the Dartmouth Mall at 200 Dartmouth Mall in Dartmouth. The walk will take place before the mall opens, providing plenty of space for all to join. Attendees are asked to use the mall entrance by the AMC movie theater (north side of the building). The walk will kick off from the center of the mall in front of JC Penney.

This month's walk will be led by James Fingleton, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery for Southcoast Health System and staff from the Southcoast Cardiac Prevention program.

"As the leading provider of comprehensive cardiac services and the only health system in the region to perform cardiac surgery, it is important to Southcoast that we not only provide the best possible heart care services but that we take an active role in helping everyone in the community lead healthier lives," Dr. Fingleton said. "Heart disease is the greatest health problem facing the South Coast today, with a death rate that is considerably higher than the state average. Tens of thousands of our neighbors, friends and family suffer from heart disease."

Taking a brisk walk can do wonders for your heath. In fact, walking just 30 minutes a day can decrease your risk of many health problems including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Join Dr. Fingleton on February 9 for a walk inside the Dartmouth Mall and improve your health at the same time.

All ages and levels of walking ability are welcome. Participants will receive a free pedometer and "Better Health Kits" that include information on nutrition and exercise. Registration is encouraged. To register call the Southcoast Wellness Line at 800-497-1727.

The "Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc" program includes monthly walks with Southcoast Physicians Group doctors throughout the South Coast region. Visit www.southcoast.org/walkwithadoc/ for more information about where Southcoast physicians will be walking next.