Walk With A Doc starts today at Rudy Garcia Park

Walk With A Doc is a national health movement encouraging patients to walk a mile with a physician on the first three Saturdays of every month. Each walk will be led by a physician who will give a brief overview of the benefits of exercise and answer general questions during the walk. Beginning today, this local program will continue through May (with a chance of turning into a year-round activity).

“All of our missions involve improving public health,” said Steve Nash, executive director of the Pima County Medical Society, which is one of the sponsor groups, “Regular walking can reduce your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, help maintain weight and in general make you feel better.”

The walks are open to the public and the routes are generally flat with some minor hills. Be sure to dress comfortable. Walk schedules are posted at www.pimamedicalsociety.org.  It is best to arrive at least 15 minutes before the walk starts.

For questions call (520) 977-6445

HHS Charts Progress with State Exchanges, Details Extensions, Tweaks

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded nearly $220 million in Affordable Insurance Exchange grants to 13 more states to help them create exchanges. Now, there is a total of 29 states moving toward creating exchanges, including Arizona.

So what are state exchanges? Why are they important?

• They are one-stop marketplaces where consumers can choose a private health insurance plan that fits their health needs, an important part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Car Act (PPACA). The health care reform law gives states the freedom to design their affordable insurance exchanges.

The HHS also announced a six-month extension for level one grant applications, effective from December 30th to June 29th, 2012, to accommodate state legislative sessions and give states more time to apply. Under the Affordable Care Act, states must ensure that their Exchanges are self-sustaining by January 1st, 2015.