Achieving good health is simple. All you need to do is put one foot in front of the other.

Dr. Theresa Wee, a pediatrician of 30 years, believes that wholeheartedly, after forming a local chapter of Walk With a Doc, a walking group to get people moving. Increasing exercise, even moderately, reduces the risks of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, breast and colon cancer, and Type 2 diabetes, she said.

Walk With a Doc is a national nonprofit organization. Its mission is to promote physical activity in people of all ages. Wee’s chapter, which meets on Saturdays at Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio, begins with Wee or another health professional sharing health tips. Then the group does a warm-up and walks for about 50 minutes. Wee answers general health questions that are asked along the way.

“Research has shown that you could gain two hours of life for every hour that you exercise regularly,” Wee said.

According to the American Heart Association, walking as little as 30 minutes a day can lower blood pressure; aid in weight management, which lowers the risk of obesity; enhance mental well-being; and lessen the risk of osteoporosis.

Walk With a Doc has had tremendous success in cities nationwide, and Wee wanted to offer the program, which she began in February.

“More than 250 people have signed up. About 40 people walk each week,” she said. “It’s perfect for people who have been sedentary. It’s really empowering to meet as a group and motivate each other.”

Wee tries to encourage participants to walk with new people each time and not necessarily with the friends they came with. “Everyone goes at their own pace. We have people of all ages. Dogs come on leashes. Some people have strollers,” she said.

“Walking is the best exercise for all ages,” Wee said. “If I don’t engage the parents and grandparents taking care of the kids, I don’t get anywhere. By creating this activity for the whole family, parents are empowered to make healthy choices. We can all get healthy together.”