Tenderloin Walking Group Update

During this beautiful warm spell in San Francisco, what better way to enjoy the day and get your blood moving than a brisk walk through your neighborhood with friends? That’s exactly what members of the St. Anthony Free Medical Clinic Walking Group have been doing with the help of our fabulous Walking Group Leader and clinic staff.

The Walking Group kicked off this summer with 5 participants and took to the sidewalks of the Tenderloin and beyond. Many of our participants are patients who struggle with diabetes or weight management. Our Walking Group Leader guides patients on walking tours around the area and provides them with helpful tips for exercise, nutrition, and self-management to help patients reach their health goals.

The Walking Group has proven to be a fabulous success for our patients — and because it’s so fun, its popularity has spread throughout the Clinic! Since August, participation has more than doubled. Weekly groups are now up to 13 participants on average. Our group has walked over 500 miles in the Tenderloin community and has lost an impressive combined weight of 50 pounds!

As the group progresses, we hope to coordinate Clinic sponsored “scenic” walks around the city. It is our goal to transport Walking Group members to the lovely forested areas of the Presidio, the unique trails of Golden Gate Park, and the beautiful beach front vistas of the Marina. Many of our low-income families here in the Tenderloin struggle to get out of the neighborhood due to barriers caused by anxiety or lack of resources. By bringing Walking Group patients to experience outside communities not only will the Walking Group provide some exercise variety in life, but a unique opportunity to enjoy beauty of our city on foot!

The Walking Group is open to all patients at The Clinic — come join in at any time! For more information on meeting times and routes ask at the Clinic font desk.