Penn State Health’s prescription for movement and connection

“I usually walk alone,” shares 69-year-old retiree Henry Graul, as he watches his three granddaughters race ahead on the trail at City Park in Reading. “But here I get to be around people and talk, which is nice.”

June 30, 2025Penn State Health News

Graul is participating in Walk With a Doc, one of two free walking programs Penn State Health offers to get community members moving their bodies while building connections with other people. On this breezy May afternoon, Dr. Chris Kosenske, a dentist at Penn State Health Downtown Campus in Reading, leads the group in a discussion about dental health as they stroll and chat.

View Walking Program photos on Penn State Health’s Flickr page

In the other free program, StoryWalk, families can enjoy nature and reading together. Made possible through a partnership between Penn State Health and Dauphin County Parks & Recreation, these self-guided walks feature children’s books displayed on signs at Detweiler Park in Dauphin and Lykens Glen Park near Elizabethville.

Both programs aim to address serious physical activity challenges in the six counties Penn State Health serves through its community health efforts. Among the community members surveyed through its Community Health Needs Assessment, about 1 in 4 report that they don’t exer­cise. This rate is even higher for those with disabilities (32%) and single parents (31%).

Medicine in motion

The Walk With a Doc format is simple: a health care provider leads a brief talk about a health-related topic, then a walk and conversation. It’s part of a global initiative that began in Columbus, Ohio, in 2005, to combine the benefits of walking with education and social connection.

Gaul, of Shillington, who lives with one kidney, says he learned on a previous walk which pain relievers are safe. Today marks his third Walk With a Doc, and he’s brought backup: granddaughters Luna, 7, Hailee, 14, and Madyson, 11.

As the group walks, Kosenske chats with the girls about sugary drinks and oral hygiene, even giving them a quiz. “I have no problem with soda as long as you don’t drink it every day, and you brush your teeth after,” he tells them.

The group pauses at the pond, a weekly tradition. The girls are entranced by the turtles, while the other participants chat about their health concerns.

“We cover all kinds of topics. In the spring, seasonal allergies are a big one,” explains Monica Rush, Walk With a Doc program director in Reading. The walks also give people a chance to meet others and ease feelings of loneliness and social isolation – problems that have grown sharply since the 2010s.

David Keel, 55, of Hamburg, is one of the program’s longest-running participants. He’s been walking since 2018 to help manage his sciatica. “With every doctor, you learn something new,” he says. “I enjoy getting out and walking, and even making friends. I love doing this.”

Walks with Penn State Health providers are scheduled once a week from April through June in Reading and once a month from March through November in Harrisburg. They’re free, accessible and welcoming to all paces.

Find a Walk With a Doc near you:
Dauphin County
Berks County
National Walk With a Doc locations

Bringing stories to life

While Walk With a Doc brings health care outdoors, StoryWalk brings books to life amid nature. In May 2024, Penn State Health and Dauphin County Parks and Recreation debuted their first book at Detweiler Park, “Bear’s Bicycle,” part of a series written by Laura Renauld and illustrated by Jennie Poh. The program expanded to Lykens Glen Park in December 2024.

Retired Montgomery County schoolteacher Linda Walker selected the book series for its lovable animal characters. “The books are simple and easy to follow – perfect for a StoryWalk, which is geared toward younger children.”

And she didn’t just select the books – sometimes she brought them to life, dressing up as a bear and a porcupine for StoryWalk launch events.

“Children wanted to pet the porcupine,” she laughs, “but were hesitant about the bear.”

Touching grass while reading books

On a sunny May morning at Detweiler Park, Rachael Benion of Carlisle leads her five children, Raina, River, Ridley, Reese and Roland, who range in age from 5 months to 11 years, through the spring book selection, “Doe’s Dandelions.” With Benion’s background in early literacy, she sees teaching moments everywhere.

“These StoryWalks are great because they appeal to all different types of kids,” she says. “You get the ones who love to read outside touching grass, and you get the outdoorsy kids interested in books.”

She encourages 6-year-old Ridley to read “with expression!” Eleven-year-old Roland admits the story is “a bit young” for him, but he still enjoys hanging out with his baby sister Raina and appreciates “the way the book uses poetry.”

The Drinks family from Enola – David, Elizabeth and their children Rosalie, 7, and Teddy, 3 – also joined the walk that day. “I love books with animals,” Rosalie explains, demonstrating the wisdom behind nature-themed stories.

“StoryWalks are a wonderful way to engage both parents and children,” observes Emilie Woods, Penn State Health Community Health manager.

Benion agrees: “It really helps parents because you naturally incorporate teaching techniques.” The best part? “Kids don’t even know they’re learning. They’re just having fun!”

Both walking programs prove that sometimes the best medicine isn’t found in a prescription bottle or a doctor’s office. It’s found through connection with others and movement in nature, whether you’re learning ways to boost your health with new friends or discovering poetry on a nature trail with your family.

Offering opportunities for physical activity is a key part of Penn State Health’s commitment to physical well-being as a priority health need. Learn more in our Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Strategy.

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