Page 5 - MidWeek West - August 11 2021

EBY MARIA KANAI very Saturday at 8
Central Oʻahu Re- gional Park, Dr. Theresa Wee Arinaga dons her walking shoes and meets with friends, families and strangers by the tennis courts. There, she shares a health tip, such as cutting out sugary beverages or the importance of socializa- tion for mental health. After the talk, the group warms up and embarks on a 45-minute
fresh fruits each week. “We’re like a walking fam- ily,” says Arinaga. “You can walk at your own pace and it’s open for folks of all ages and
Nightingale, Marie Curie and Elizabeth Blackwell.
band died suddenly.
“I had to decide what to do
a.m. in Patsy T. Mink
“People would tell me that I should be a nurse instead,” says Arinaga, “but I was al- ways competitive as a young kid, so when people told me I couldn’t do it, I was like, ‘watch me!’”
with my life, whether to quit medicine or continue for- ward,” says Arinaga. “I was blessed to have been shown the answer through my faith in God and opportunities be- gan to present themselves. I bought a new office down the road, designed and construct- ed it, and started my new practice, Wee Pediatrics Inc., located at Wee Wellness Cen- ter in Waipiʻo Gentry, next to Bike Factory Waipiʻo.”
fitness levels.”
The event took a break due
to COVID-19 and Arinaga is excited to announce it’s start- ed up again.
Arinag’s determination led her to study medicine at University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine. She married her classmate, Stephen Wee, and they moved to Ohio for her residency training. They worked there for six years before moving back to O‘ahu to start a med- ical practice in Waipiʻo Gen- try, where they raised four children.
Arinaga has always been passionate about helping fam- ilies with their physical and mental health. At her clinic Wee Pediatrics Inc., she holds free family workshops about preventing and treating obesi- ty. She recently published her second book, My COVID-19 Diary: Practical Tips and Scriptures for Improbable Times from an American Doc- tor, was just released this year.
Dr. Theresa Wee Arinaga is an established doctor in the Waipi‘o area, and holds weekly walking events that are open to the community at Patsy T. Mink Central O‘ahu Regional Park. PHOTO COURTESY DR. THERESA WEE ARINAGA
AUGUST 11, 2021 5
Waipi‘o-based Pediatrician Holds Walk With A Doc Saturdays
walk for exercise.
This free community
tical advice on getting through this unprecedented time from my many years as a pedia- trician, wife and mother. My hope is that the reader will find encouragement to keep moving forward, persevering and even thriving, with God
by your side,” says Arinaga. Arinaga was 6 years old when she knew she wanted to pursue medicine. Her fa- ther took her to the public li- brary and she was inspired by reading biographies of female medical heroes like Florence
She adds, “I feel very bless- ed to be able to serve my community. It’s a wonderful neighborhood and I want to continue giving families hope and encouragement.”
event is Walk with a Doc Oʻahu, a nonprofit organiza- tion Arinaga launched in Ha- waiʻi. It’s sponsored by UHA Health Insurance, and Stay Fit Physical Therapy donates
“In this book, I share prac-
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 2010 after her hus-
For more information, visit weewellnesscenter.com.
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