Walk and Talk: Promoting Health and Unity in Our Community

Introduction

Growing up as a devout member of the Muslim community has been a cornerstone of my upbringing as well as to many of my Muslim-American peers. To us, the mosque represents a hub of community life where we deepen our spiritual faith, celebrate religious holidays, cultivate lifelong friendships, and find support during challenging times. The mosque I belong to in Southern California is engrained with community service and compassion. Since its establishment over two decades ago, the mosque has selflessly organized food drives, blood donations, and supported other local religious and secular causes. As a medical and public health student, I had the unique opportunity to conduct a monthly 10-minute presentations to females of all ages on a variety of public health issues, including hand hygiene, physical activity, and diet. I was elated to see my community learning and engaging in meaningful discussions. In my small way, I was giving back to the community that has given me so much. I still wanted to make more of a lasting difference before I left for medical school. Due to my past clinical training, I had a heightened awareness of the medical issues communities experience. For example, fatalism, which emphasizes external factors such as fate and God’s will in determining individuals’ lives, contributes to the hesitancy of individuals from diverse backgrounds to seek health care within the Muslim community (Nageeb et al., 2018). Several other barriers to receiving timely healthcare also exist, including perceived racism, acculturation, providers’ lack of cultural knowledge, low educational attainment, refugee status, and mental health stigmas (Zagloul et al., 2024). Within my own community, among my brothers, sisters, aunties, and uncles at the mosque, I have observed a hesitancy to seek healthcare from qualified providers. This hesitance stems from various factors, including limited access to female physicians and apprehension about learning their health status due to lifestyle choices, such as inadequate diet and lack of physical activity.

Above and beyond my monthly presentations, I wanted my community to experience the benefit of engaging in positive health behavior together. I decided to propose a walking event at the mosque because I have found that jogging helps me clear my mind, reduce my stress, and focus on the day ahead of me. This aligns with research showing that highly active individuals tend to have reduced stress rates compared to less active individuals, highlighting the effectiveness of physical activity in relieving stress (Exercise and Stress: Get Moving to Manage Stress, 2022). The specific health benefits of walking include significant improvements in lung strength, blood pressure, body fat, resting heart rate, and body mass index (Village & Village, 2023). Walking has even more benefits when done in the company of others (Godman, 2023). Adults who joined walking clubs reported lower stress levels and a reduced risk of depression, underscoring the mental health benefits of walking in groups (Village & Village, 2023). Socializing during these walks mitigates feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are associated with heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, chronic stress, and premature death. Furthermore, walking together fosters a sense of community, provides a support system, and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections (Godman, 2023).

The Community Event

When proposing the idea to the leaders, I emphasized the potential benefits for our community members, highlighting how it could promote physical health, provide opportunities for social interaction, and strengthen our sense of unity. To my delight, they supported my idea with enthusiasm. The event was announced in a general meeting, and approximately 25 people attended. The age range showcased impressive diversity, spanning from 7 to 70 years, and underscoring the inclusive participation of both younger and older individuals. Among them were individuals with various health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Despite their initial doubts, some participants ended up walking for as long as 45 minutes, enjoying the company and supportive atmosphere. My observations that day align with Godman’s (2023) findings that walking with others can turn exercise into an enjoyable social occasion, motivating individuals to engage in physical activity for longer durations (Godman, 2023). Throughout the event, there were memorable moments of fellowship and encouragement, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to engage in physical activity together. In developing plans for the walking event, we aimed to leverage the ample space available on the mosque’s campus, making it convenient and accessible for participants. The layout of the campus, with each lap measuring half a mile, provided a structured and easily trackable route for individuals to walk. Research indicates that having a clear and defined walking path encourages consistent physical activity by making the exercise more manageable and measurable (Chevance et al., 2021). Such routes help individuals set specific goals, monitor their progress, and stay motivated to continue walking (Chevance et al., 2021). Additionally, structured walking paths reduce the cognitive load required to plan a walking route (Krogstad et al., 2015).

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on this experience, I am reminded that meaningful change often begins with small steps- which can be as simple as holding a walking event. By engaging people within their own environments and promoting culturally relevant initiatives, we can lay the foundation for a healthier future. This realization reaffirms my commitment to public health and underscores the importance of community engagement in shaping health outcomes. Now that our community has hosted a successful event promoting physical activity for everyone, the next step is to develop a sustainable plan that gains widespread support to maintain this positive momentum.

Conclusion

As I continue my journey towards becoming a physician and public health advocate, I’m inspired to integrate these principles into my practice, ensuring that I provide effective and culturally competent care to all individuals, especially within the Muslim community. This includes recognizing and addressing unique health challenges and barriers to care within the community, and collaborating with community leaders and organizations to develop tailored interventions that prioritize holistic well-being. From a Physician’s perspective, holistic care involves considering the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, we can work towards achieving health equity and improving the overall health outcomes of our communities. This approach not only addresses immediate health concerns but also promotes long-term wellness by supporting patients in all aspects of their lives.

Acknowledgement

I extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Michele Mouttapa for her invaluable guidance in the writing of this commentary.