Swedish Walking Program Keeps Ballard Healthy

I met with a lively group of morning people today at 8:30AM in the cafeteria at Swedish Hospital, Ballard Campus. After registration, Dr. Waymack performed individual healthy heart screenings while I gave a presentation on "Ten Tips to Keep you Walking". This was followed by a walk to the Ballard Locks and back. Many questions were answered about ways to avoid foot injuries as well as treatment options.

I showed everyone my Z-coil footwear and how they can aide on the road to recovery from injuries.

Call 206-782-7300 for a private consultation in my Ballard or downtown Seattle clinics so I can better assist you in developing your own personalized program for healing and non-narcotic pain relief for lower extremity problems. The walking program is monthly at Swedish Hospital, Ballard Campus.

I will be giving my next talk on this subject May 7, 11:00 AM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The talk is entitled: Limp In, Leap Out in conjunction with the African American Conference on Kidney Health. I will also be performing foot screenings, free to the public at this event.

The African American Conference on Kidney Health is a one-day family event with the goal of educating the community about kidney disease, kidney failure, and the potential risk factors that make those worse. The event is free and open to the public. As you many know, it is estimated that over 80,000 persons in the Seattle-King County area have some form of early kidney disease, and that over 100,000 are eligible for early treatment intervention. Increasing education regarding treatment for high blood pressure and diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney disease, can help in that process.

Workshop sessions are allotted 45 minutes total. Youth are welcome to attend; youth focused sessions will also be offered. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2005, 10a to 2:30p at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (1634-19th Ave, corner of 19th and Madison, Seattle).

Tip for the day: Warm up and stretch before and after walking.

Yours in Health,

Lotchie M. Kerch, D.P.M.