| Weird Walking Mail | |
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Some emails bother me - because the reader is asking the wrong person. I may want to help, but I'm just the wrong person to ask.
Not That Kind of Guide
Q: Can you tell me what walking tour company to use for a tour to Iceland, one that is not too tough.
Wendy: I have a listing of walking tour companies, but you will have to do your own research on them. I have never taken a commercial walking tour, nor led one, nor been to Iceland. I'm not that kind of a Walking Guide. (But being a friendly sort, I did a quick Search of the Internet from the box in the middle top of my page and found the reader 3 companies to get started in her research).
I Don't Play Doctor
Q: My left calf is bothering me something fierce and I can barely walk and am in intense pain. I am a diabetic and have a heart condition. What should I do?
Wendy: To quote the message on my doctor's answering machine, "If you are having a medical emergency, please hang up and dial 911." If you just want a quick idea of whether this is something to see a doctor about, look up the Advice Nurse line for a local medical center - they will listen to your symptoms and tell you whether to see a doctor or treat yourself. I've used them for a broken toe and for poison oak advice - each time they told me good things to do at home - sound advice at no charge. They've also told me that the knee pain was important enough to come in and get a look-see by the docs. Once you've sought real medical advice, come on by the Forum and you can have lots of other walkers give you sympathy. Keep in mind that they, like me, are just other walkers, who may have some experience but are no substitute for personal medical diagnosis.
Sell my Supplements?
Q: Do you want to become my affiliate and sell my vitamins and herbal supplements?
Wendy: No. I care about what works and what doesn't. I rely on medical research published in peer-reviewed journals to determine that. On our Forum, a reader with a recent back injury took our advice, got real medical help through physical therapy, and now is on the road to recovery. If I had simply sent her to a find a pain-relief supplement, she might have ended up with chronic pain, then perhaps depression and suicidal thoughts. Those harmless pills aren't so harmless if you don't first look for real solutions to your problems.
Where to Find Advice
Q: Gee, where can I get some advice, then?
Wendy: A great place is my Forum - it is visited by many walkers each day, some with coaching experience, many with personal experience with injuries and training. Ask the gang and take their answers with a big grain of salt. Often they will get you pointed in the right direction, or at least give you some emotional support and validation.
