This morning, I went for a walk in the arboretum with my friend, a cardiologist, and our dogs.

As we hiked up a hill, we talked about a variety of issues, from how to prevent coronary heart disease to electric cars. But most importantly, we spoke about burnout and depression among healthcare workers and the need for cultural change in American medicine.

Can we organize and create a single payer / Medicare-for-all system, which we so desperately need? I think if that is ever to happen, we need health care workers to feel interconnected and hopeful – an esprit de corps, if you will.

For that to occur, we must reclaim our physical and mental health. Peer support, nutritious diet, and physical activity can help.

I invited my friend the cardiologist to join me at the Jamaica Pond 5K runs on Saturday mornings. I’ve enjoyed the races this fall, as I’ve gradually gotten in better shape. Perhaps he, and you, will run with me at an upcoming 5K.

Because it was Dolly Parton who said, “if you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”