For years, people have debated whether walking “counts” as real exercise. Let’s end that debate clearly: walking is absolutely exercise, and for many people—especially those with low exercise tolerance—it is the safest, most accessible, and most sustainable way to build cardiovascular health. Walking requires no equipment, no gym membership, and no perfect routine. It meets you exactly where you are, and it grows with you.

For more than ten years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients with diverse healthcare needs, including many in the LGBTQ+ community. Over time, one truth has become undeniable: trust is not optional in medicine — it is the foundation of every therapeutic relationship. I’ve cared for people through gender journeys, chronic conditions, trauma, menopause, and major life transitions. Some patients have moved across Idaho or across the country and still choose to remain