For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013

February edition of Southcoast's "Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc" monthly walking program re-scheduled for March 9

Dartmouth walk to be led by Iraklis Gerogiannis, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon

Iraklis Gerogiannis, MD Download hi-res image

DARTMOUTH, Mass. — The February edition of Southcoast Health System's "Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc," has been re-scheduled to March 9, at the Dartmouth Mall. The community walk will be lead by Southcoast cardiothoracic surgeon Iraklis Gerogiannis, 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, March 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 Iraklis Gerogiannis, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon for Southcoast Health System and staff from the Southcoast Cardiac Prevention program.

"Tens of thousands of people in our community suffer from heart disease. It is the greatest health problem facing the South Coast region today, with a death rate that is considerably higher than the state average," Dr. Gerogiannis said. "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 lifestyles."

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. Gerogiannis on March 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.