If people need an extra incentive to take a walk, chatting with a doctor might be the solution.

That is the idea behind Walk with a Doc, an international program that AARP Minnesota has recently brought to the Twin Cities. On the third Saturday of each month, anyone can join in a group walk with Nana Wilmot-DeSouza, M.D., at the Mall of America in Bloomington.

The walks will move outside once the temperature warms up.

“When we tell a patient to exercise or eat better, what does that mean if I’m not showing you or living it out with you?” says Wilmot-DeSouza, a family physician in Prior Lake who is also board-certified in lifestyle medicine. “We should meet patients where they are.”

The format of Walk with a Doc is simple: The doctor gives a five- or 10-minute talk on a current health topic, and then participants walk their own distance at their own pace for about an hour inside the mall. The goal is to elevate the heart rate without gasping for breath. The doctor bounces from group to group to chat and answer questions.

“Walking is one of the most underrated exercises there is,” Wilmot-DeSouza says. “But walking every day has great cardiovascular benefits.”

Walk with a Doc has more than 400 chapters in the U.S. The median age of walkers is about 60, says Rachael Habash, its chief operating officer.

“We live in a very sedentary society,” Habash says. “Walking is a simple thing.”

The walking groups also offer social connection and a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

Go to aarp.org/MNevents to register for AARP’s Walk with a Doc group in the Twin Cities. Go to walkwithadoc.org to learn more about the program, including how to find an existing group or start one in your area. —David Lewellen

Taking the lead AARP Kentucky recently appointed Madison County resident Gary W. Adkins—a former assistant commonwealth’s attorney and U.S. Army veteran—as the organization’s new volunteer state president.

In his new role, Adkins will be the organization’s top volunteer spokesperson, help set AARP Kentucky’s, priorities and coordinate statewide activities.

Before taking the AARP post, Adkins prosecuted felonies for the commonwealth for approximately 20 years and was an adjunct faculty member in Morehead State University’s paralegal studies program.

He has worked on AARP fraud education throughout the state, supported outreach to veterans and military families, and served as a legislative advocate.

Tackling fraud AARP is hitting the road with the Iowa Insurance Division and the state Office of the Attorney General to educate consumers about how to spot and avoid scams.

Seven stops are scheduled across the state in late April and early May. Each event will include a light meal and fraud prevention tips, particularly focusing on how to stay safe online.

For dates and to register, go to iowafraudfighters.gov/stop-the-scammers.

Getting involved AARP Indiana is seeking volunteers for its Hoosier State Action Team—a growing group of volunteers that advocates for older Hoosiers on issues such as Social Security and support for caregivers.

The team is made up of residents from small towns and cities in rural and suburban parts of the state. To learn more, call 317-423-7109, send an email to aarpin@aarp.org or sign up at aarp.org/iwant2volunteer. —DL