The next edition of Southcoast Health's “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc” will take place on Saturday, February 21, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Gleason Family YMCA located at 33 Charge Pond Road in Wareham. The walk will be led by Southcoast Physicians Group Internal Medicine physician, Francisco Gutierrez, MD.

The community is invited to join Dr. Gutierrez for this month's event, during which time he will discuss the benefits of walking and also field general health questions. Dr. Gutierrez is located at the Southcoast Physicians Group Internal Medicine practice in Wareham at 100 Rosebrook Way, Suite 200.

The walk will kick off on the indoor track, followed by a stretching session led by the Y’s Senior Program Director, Lu Brito.

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.