| Day One - Avon 3-Day Walk |
Medical Tent
There were quite a few heat victims already in the tent. My symptoms were fairly
mild, although still a risk if I had continued in the heat. After a check for blood
pressure and heart rate and drinking plenty of fluids, I sat to be observed. After I
had to use the PJ twice in a half hour, my medical person gave me permission to go on.
Others were laying on cots with ice packs on their foreheads, feeling severe
headaches, etc. All symptoms are taken seriously and nobody is discounted.
This was very reassuring that I wasn't simply wasting their time and resources.
They would much rather have a walker come in before a symptom turned into a serious
problem rather than wait until they passed out. The medical tent was supplied with a
good array of emergency medical equipment and experienced doctors and nurses.
Podiatry - Physical Therapy
Next to the Medical tent were podiatry and physical therapy tents. In coming days I
saw many walkers with kinesiotaped leg muscles - a technique where elastic tape is applied
along the muscle and tendon lines to support and give relief. A few walkers now
hobbled about on crutches as well from injuries. 
I was grateful to survive the walk
without a twisted ankle or pulled muscle.
Massage
Walkers sign up for an 8-minute massage at the massage tent, where 10 or more massage
therapists give free massage.
Next page > Showers, Tents, Food
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Photos copyright (c) 2000, Wendy Bumgardner, licensed to About.com
