Southwest Health System on Saturday will host its first monthly Walk with a Doc, an event to help people who are “taking steps for a healthier lifestyle” get to know health care providers on a more personal level.

The event, part of the national Walk with a Doc movement, is 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. near the front entrance of the Cortez Recreation Center. It is free.

“We look forward to monthly walks and sharing health tips with the community,” Southwest Health System’s Dr. Jennifer Gero told The Journal. “This will be a great way to build camaraderie with our community and SHS providers. We look forward to extending our care of the community beyond office visits and inspire all of us to come together, start walking and share conversations. … So, time to get those walking shoes out and come join us on our monthly walks.”

Participants can learn about a new health topic from a health care provider, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a walk and conversation.

Participating doctors for June and July are Gero, Dr. Amanda Mullen, Dr. Jacob Anderson and Dr. Jocelyn Hirschman.

“Hopefully after that, more doctors will start participating and we’ll get new ones every month,” said SHS marketing specialist Jaycee Hart.

Those who participate can walk at their own pace and distance.

After the first event, Walk with a Doc will be on the third Saturday of each month, at the same time and place.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Registration may be completed the day of the event or online at https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/cortez-colorado.

Learn more online at https://walkwithadoc.org. Questions also may be directed to Hart at jhart@swhealth.org.