NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – The next edition of Southcoast Health’s “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc” will take place on Saturday, January 17, at 10 a.m., at the New Bedford YMCA, located at 25 South Water Street.The walk will be led by Southcoast Physicians Group Pediatrics physician, Joely Edwards, MD.

The community is invited to join Dr. Edwards for this month’s event, during which time she will discuss the benefits of walking and also field general health questions. Dr. Edwards is located at the Southcoast Physicians Group Pediatrics practice in Dartmouth at 49 State Road in the Nauset Building.

Located in the heart of historic downtown New Bedford, the New Bedford YMCA offers a wide variety of activities for all ages and the facility includes an indoor swimming pool, racquetball courts, indoor running track, stadium stairs, rock climbing wall, two gymnasiums and many more amenities. The walk will kick off on the indoor track.

January 17 is also the beginning of the New Bedford Fitness Challenge, which will allow participants access to free and low-cost fitness classes, as well as free cooking demonstrations, access to physicians to answer health questions and monthly weigh-ins. Take a step toward better health and join Dr. Edwards for this month’s “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc”.

Walking just 30 minutes a day can decrease your risk of many health problems, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. All ages and levels of ability are welcome. Participants of the walk will receive a free pedometer and “Better Health Kits” that include information on nutrition and exercise. All participants are welcome, and no registration is necessary.

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 Health physicians will be walking next.