Stroll through the last days of summer at Harbin Clinic’s Walk with a Doc tomorrow Saturday, August 17.

This monthly healthwalk is free for the community and meets at Bridgepoint Plaza in Rome at 9 a.m. Participants will hear a short introduction on the benefits of walking before venturing on a 2-mile stretch through Rome’s beautiful Kingfisher Trail.

Leading the walk this month is Harbin Clinic’s Dr. David Hale, a neurologist who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other gray matters of the nervous system. For Dr. Hale, regular exercise is a crucial factor in staying healthy, both physically and mentally.

“Exercise is good for our mood, and it improves quality of sleep and overall quality of life,” he says. “Plus, exercise, including walking, is the only intervention that helps to really slow cognitive decline over time.”

For patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Hale finds exercise to be especially crucial. This disorder can hinder mobility, causing tremors, rigid muscles and balance issues. However, with regular exercise, these symptoms can become less severe.

“I strongly encourage exercise for my Parkinson’s disease patients, as this helps to keep them more mobile and active. And, patients with Parkinson’s who exercise generally need less medication to keep them in good shape.”

All ages are welcome and encouraged to participate at Walk with a Doc. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to enjoy the various healthy vendors featured at the Between the Rivers Farmers Market, also located at Bridgepoint Plaza.

Employees earn 10 HarbinSTRONG points.