Topeka ? The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is promoting a free program to help people who want to do more walking for exercise in 2012.

The Walk with Ease program is a six-week offering that teaches participants how much they should walk and how to increase their pace and endurance.

Health department officials are working with the Arthritis Foundation, and people can register for the free program on the health department’s arthritis website.

KDHE Secretary Robert Moser says walking regularly can ease problems associated with arthritis.

The program is designed for anyone who wants to walk more. Walking can help people manage their weight and reduce their risks for heart disease and diabetes.