Looking back over 2009, there have been several “Healthy Sports” stories that have sparked comments and controversies worth mentioning:
• In April an article dealt with the topic of safety in baseball. One point addressed “avoiding injury from a hard-hit ball coming off a metal bat.” This comment sparked a swift response from the “Don’t Take My Bat Away Coalition” (DTMBA), a special interest group funded by metal bat manufacturers. Armed with engineering data, their executive director made the argument that a ball comes off the bat no faster with a metal versus a wooden bat. When confronted on the “Healthy Rounds” radio show with the option of using a metal or wooden bat to hit a life-saving home run, he would choose the metal bat.
• The Healthy Sports column that discussed sports options for autistic children received outstanding comments by many groups of dedicated parents and educators. I was pleasantly surprised to find there are more options for these children than I had mentioned, including a soccer program in Hawaii just for children with autism.
• A column about sports anxiety quoted many local professional and amateur sports personalities regarding how they deal with this problem. Comments showed that this is a very common obstacle not only for athletes but also for other performers including public speakers.
• The column that has garnered the most interest this year reviewed information surrounding “Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy” (CTE). Previously referred to as “Dementia Pugilistica,” it was believed to only pertain to repeated blows to the head from boxing. New data shows that this entity has resulted in premature dementia in football players. This has prompted congressional hearings and anticipated rule changes in football. There is much more to come on this subject.
Let’s all hope for a safe and healthy 2010.
Weight loss surgery should not be taken lightly
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is increasing in popularity among Americans. Before going to the operating room, there are certain necessary steps to be taken — including a trip to a local gym.
The two most common forms of bariatric surgery are gastric bypass and laparoscopic banding.
The gastric bypass involves altering the digestive tract so that fewer calories are absorbed and the patient feels full more quickly.
Gastric banding is a less permanent approach where a band is placed around the stomach. The band can be tightened by injecting saline at different times.
Surgical candidates must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. This is the equivalent of a 5-foot, 10-inch person weighing 285 pounds. If the person has an obesity-related illness (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol), a BMI of 35 is acceptable.
“All potential patients must undergo extensive pre-surgical evaluations including psychological, dietary and exercise counseling,” said Dr. Carlos Barba, a bariatric surgeon and director of the bariatric surgery program at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. Dr. Barba believes that surgery is only part of the program and the most common cause of failure is a lack of commitment.
Exercise is crucial to any weight loss program. The type of exercise is variable. Consultation with a personal trainer is advisable. Morbidly obese patients may begin with an aquatic program where they are buoyant and progress to walking and weight lifting. Many arthritic patients use a low impact routine that may include recumbent cycling.
Bariatric surgery has helped many people eliminate risk factors for heart attack, stroke and cancer but weight loss surgery is not a “quick fix,” it is an invitation to a life-long commitment to fitness.
The two most common forms of bariatric surgery are gastric bypass and laparoscopic banding.
The gastric bypass involves altering the digestive tract so that fewer calories are absorbed and the patient feels full more quickly.
Gastric banding is a less permanent approach where a band is placed around the stomach. The band can be tightened by injecting saline at different times.
Surgical candidates must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. This is the equivalent of a 5-foot, 10-inch person weighing 285 pounds. If the person has an obesity-related illness (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol), a BMI of 35 is acceptable.
“All potential patients must undergo extensive pre-surgical evaluations including psychological, dietary and exercise counseling,” said Dr. Carlos Barba, a bariatric surgeon and director of the bariatric surgery program at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. Dr. Barba believes that surgery is only part of the program and the most common cause of failure is a lack of commitment.
Exercise is crucial to any weight loss program. The type of exercise is variable. Consultation with a personal trainer is advisable. Morbidly obese patients may begin with an aquatic program where they are buoyant and progress to walking and weight lifting. Many arthritic patients use a low impact routine that may include recumbent cycling.
Bariatric surgery has helped many people eliminate risk factors for heart attack, stroke and cancer but weight loss surgery is not a “quick fix,” it is an invitation to a life-long commitment to fitness.
Body sends signals of serious injuries
The physical demands placed on professional football players are astounding. The amount of physical contact and the impact of this contact continue to intensify.
The length of disabled lists at Week 14 has also grown. The highest profile disabled players appear to be quarterbacks and running backs: Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, Brian Westbrook and Ben Roethlisberger.
Unfortunately, there are also a growing number of unqualified critics casting doubt on the validity of these injuries. Sadly, among these critics are outspoken teammates.
The human body has a remarkable ability to let a person know when it’s injured. Symptoms such as pain, diminished performance and cognitive changes are a clear indication that rest is needed. Although this sounds simplistic, the amazing part is how often athletes ignore these symptoms and go on to more severe or chronic injuries.
Many young, inexperienced athletes may disregard these indications. That is why coaches, parents and athletic trainers must monitor their activities. Adult athletes have no excuse for not being “in touch with their bodies.”
The NFL has recently assigned impartial neurologic consultants to every team. Their job is to specifically determine when an athlete should not play after a concussion. The difficulty is that there are no clear physical signs of concussion like a sprain or wound and the MRI is usually normal. The physician must rely on the information provided by the athlete.
One role of a sports medicine physician is to “run interference” for injured athletes. At times, athletes will come forward and explain symptoms that indicate a need for rest. It is the responsibility of that physician to place that player on the disabled list and deflect any criticism aimed at the athlete.
Successful athletes at any level know how to read their injury signals.
The length of disabled lists at Week 14 has also grown. The highest profile disabled players appear to be quarterbacks and running backs: Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, Brian Westbrook and Ben Roethlisberger.
Unfortunately, there are also a growing number of unqualified critics casting doubt on the validity of these injuries. Sadly, among these critics are outspoken teammates.
The human body has a remarkable ability to let a person know when it’s injured. Symptoms such as pain, diminished performance and cognitive changes are a clear indication that rest is needed. Although this sounds simplistic, the amazing part is how often athletes ignore these symptoms and go on to more severe or chronic injuries.
Many young, inexperienced athletes may disregard these indications. That is why coaches, parents and athletic trainers must monitor their activities. Adult athletes have no excuse for not being “in touch with their bodies.”
The NFL has recently assigned impartial neurologic consultants to every team. Their job is to specifically determine when an athlete should not play after a concussion. The difficulty is that there are no clear physical signs of concussion like a sprain or wound and the MRI is usually normal. The physician must rely on the information provided by the athlete.
One role of a sports medicine physician is to “run interference” for injured athletes. At times, athletes will come forward and explain symptoms that indicate a need for rest. It is the responsibility of that physician to place that player on the disabled list and deflect any criticism aimed at the athlete.
Successful athletes at any level know how to read their injury signals.
Ankle sprains can be serious injuries
Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries that will sideline an athlete at any level of competition.
A new term appearing on injury reports is the “high ankle sprain.” The high ankle sprain refers to severe trauma to the ankle joint often requiring aggressive therapy.
The ankle joint consists of three bones: the tibia, the fibula and the talus, along with a series of ligaments connecting these bones. The most common ankle sprain occurs when the foot and ankle rotate inward. This results in stretching and tearing of ligaments followed by swelling.
Treatment with Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) is usually sufficient for a full recovery.
The high ankle sprain, also called a syndesmotic ankle sprain, involves the ligaments that stabilize the tibia and fibula. The mechanism of injury consists of outward twisting of the foot and ankle. It is most commonly seen in football, basketball and soccer. It may result from rapid changes in direction or direct impact. Initial treatment is similar to any ankle sprain but this may not be sufficient.
“If a high ankle sprain does not become stable, it will develop into a chronic problem,” said Dr. Michael Joyce, an orthopedic sports medicine specialist and UConn team physician. A plain X-ray of the ankle is not sufficient and accurate diagnosis requires a weight-bearing X-ray or MRI to see if the bones spread apart, according to Dr. Joyce.
Surgical intervention includes a variety of procedures with the goal of permanently stabilizing the joint while allowing for full return to sports.
High ankle sprains are serious athletic injuries and require careful evaluation and treatment. Coaches have enough familiarity with high ankle sprains to know that they mean an extended recovery.
A new term appearing on injury reports is the “high ankle sprain.” The high ankle sprain refers to severe trauma to the ankle joint often requiring aggressive therapy.
The ankle joint consists of three bones: the tibia, the fibula and the talus, along with a series of ligaments connecting these bones. The most common ankle sprain occurs when the foot and ankle rotate inward. This results in stretching and tearing of ligaments followed by swelling.
Treatment with Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) is usually sufficient for a full recovery.
The high ankle sprain, also called a syndesmotic ankle sprain, involves the ligaments that stabilize the tibia and fibula. The mechanism of injury consists of outward twisting of the foot and ankle. It is most commonly seen in football, basketball and soccer. It may result from rapid changes in direction or direct impact. Initial treatment is similar to any ankle sprain but this may not be sufficient.
“If a high ankle sprain does not become stable, it will develop into a chronic problem,” said Dr. Michael Joyce, an orthopedic sports medicine specialist and UConn team physician. A plain X-ray of the ankle is not sufficient and accurate diagnosis requires a weight-bearing X-ray or MRI to see if the bones spread apart, according to Dr. Joyce.
Surgical intervention includes a variety of procedures with the goal of permanently stabilizing the joint while allowing for full return to sports.
High ankle sprains are serious athletic injuries and require careful evaluation and treatment. Coaches have enough familiarity with high ankle sprains to know that they mean an extended recovery.
Violent collisions can cause cervical spine injuries
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce suffered a neck injury during a game on Oct. 25. He was reported to have symptoms of neck pain and a burning sensation radiating to his arm. After his symptoms subsided over the next few days, he returned to his normal activity. When neck pain returned weeks later, an MRI revealed a bulging disc in the cervical spine, placing him on the disabled list.
Pierce’s situation is not that uncommon, especially for a linebacker. The cervical spine consists of a series of seven bony vertebrae designed to protect the fragile spinal cord and nerve roots. This area of the nervous system is responsible for sensation and movement of the upper extremities.
Sandwiched between each of the vertebrae is a cartilaginous disc. The center of the disc consists of soft, moist material to cushion any impact.
In a situation where there is repeated trauma to the head and neck causing compression, the discs become brittle and susceptible to fracture and eventual herniation (bulging). A disc that is out of place can irritate the nerve roots and/or the spinal cord.
Football players who use their heads when blocking and stretch their necks to one side tackling are particularly susceptible to these injuries. An MRI scan of a linebacker’s cervical spine typically shows bony arthritic changes and compressed discs consistent with that seen in an elderly person.
Treatment for these injuries can be conservative with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and rest. Surgical intervention may include simply removing the herniated portion of disc alone or in combination with fusing the vertebrae for stability.
Cervical spine injuries can be avoided by strengthening supporting neck muscles, wearing a protective collar and most importantly, utilizing proper blocking and tackling techniques.
Pierce’s situation is not that uncommon, especially for a linebacker. The cervical spine consists of a series of seven bony vertebrae designed to protect the fragile spinal cord and nerve roots. This area of the nervous system is responsible for sensation and movement of the upper extremities.
Sandwiched between each of the vertebrae is a cartilaginous disc. The center of the disc consists of soft, moist material to cushion any impact.
In a situation where there is repeated trauma to the head and neck causing compression, the discs become brittle and susceptible to fracture and eventual herniation (bulging). A disc that is out of place can irritate the nerve roots and/or the spinal cord.
Football players who use their heads when blocking and stretch their necks to one side tackling are particularly susceptible to these injuries. An MRI scan of a linebacker’s cervical spine typically shows bony arthritic changes and compressed discs consistent with that seen in an elderly person.
Treatment for these injuries can be conservative with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and rest. Surgical intervention may include simply removing the herniated portion of disc alone or in combination with fusing the vertebrae for stability.
Cervical spine injuries can be avoided by strengthening supporting neck muscles, wearing a protective collar and most importantly, utilizing proper blocking and tackling techniques.
Athletes with sickle cell must be cautious
Two years ago, Ryan Clark of the Pittsburgh Steelers nearly died after playing in Denver. He required emergency surgery to remove his spleen and gall bladder. Ryan, along with one in 12 African-Americans, has sickle cell trait and must be cautious about competing at high altitudes.
Sickle cell disease affects the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. It is an evolutionary adaptation that provides resistance to malaria and is found in people who come from areas where malaria is endemic like Africa, the Middle East, South America as well as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and other areas. The decreased oxygen-carrying ability of hemoglobin results in damage to a variety of organs including the brain, lungs and spleen.
Sickle cell disease differs from sickle cell trait. The trait is found in those who have both a normal and a sickle component to hemoglobin. During intense exertion, dehydration or conditions that decrease oxygen, red blood cells change their shape and clog blood vessels throughout the body.
The condition can also result in a potentially lethal breakdown of muscle known as acute exertional rhabdomyolysis.
While it is generally safe for athletes with sickle cell trait to compete, certain precautions must be followed:
• Athletes from at-risk groups must be tested before participation.
• When competing at high altitudes, sufficient time must be spent adapting to the new environment.
• Adequate hydration is crucial.
• Symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath and abdominal or leg pain are often a hallmark of impending crisis.
• Workouts in extreme heat must be modified.
There is some controversy that finding the gene may potentially adversely impact an athlete’s financial value in professional sports. While this is highly unlikely, it must be weighed against the potential loss of life.
Sickle cell disease affects the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. It is an evolutionary adaptation that provides resistance to malaria and is found in people who come from areas where malaria is endemic like Africa, the Middle East, South America as well as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and other areas. The decreased oxygen-carrying ability of hemoglobin results in damage to a variety of organs including the brain, lungs and spleen.
Sickle cell disease differs from sickle cell trait. The trait is found in those who have both a normal and a sickle component to hemoglobin. During intense exertion, dehydration or conditions that decrease oxygen, red blood cells change their shape and clog blood vessels throughout the body.
The condition can also result in a potentially lethal breakdown of muscle known as acute exertional rhabdomyolysis.
While it is generally safe for athletes with sickle cell trait to compete, certain precautions must be followed:
• Athletes from at-risk groups must be tested before participation.
• When competing at high altitudes, sufficient time must be spent adapting to the new environment.
• Adequate hydration is crucial.
• Symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath and abdominal or leg pain are often a hallmark of impending crisis.
• Workouts in extreme heat must be modified.
There is some controversy that finding the gene may potentially adversely impact an athlete’s financial value in professional sports. While this is highly unlikely, it must be weighed against the potential loss of life.
Boxing needs safety measures
Last week, HBO viewers and those attending championship boxing at the XL Center in Hartford witnessed one of the most horrific knockouts in recent memory.
In the third round of the co-feature match between Harry Joe Yorgey and Alfredo Angulo, it became apparent that Angulo was the dominant fighter. Yorgey was rendered unconscious, and reminded all present of the brutality of this sport.
In an age when awareness of head injury in sports has been heightened, something must be done about the sport of boxing where the only way to score points is to neurologically impair the opponent.
Attempts to ban boxing have been misguided and have failed miserably. Boxing is a not just a sport, it is part of the American cultural fabric. Boxing can represent a vehicle for young men to gain respect in their communities while avoiding negative peer pressure.
Safety measures must be instituted nationally to reduce permanent neurological injury to boxers:
• Every professional fighter (both boxers and mixed martial artists) must have a complete annual neurological examination.
• Exposure to head blows must be limited during a fighter’s career. This can be done by regulating the number of rounds fought, the total number of fights and/or age of the fighter.
• A system of national regulation must be put in place similar to other sports. The current statewide commission system offers too much variability and federal regulation may be cumbersome.
This week, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame will induct new members at the Mohegan Sun Casino. As at most similar affairs, there will be a lot of discussion about “the good old days.” Wouldn’t it be great if the legacy left behind by these brave men was to make their sport safer?
In the third round of the co-feature match between Harry Joe Yorgey and Alfredo Angulo, it became apparent that Angulo was the dominant fighter. Yorgey was rendered unconscious, and reminded all present of the brutality of this sport.
In an age when awareness of head injury in sports has been heightened, something must be done about the sport of boxing where the only way to score points is to neurologically impair the opponent.
Attempts to ban boxing have been misguided and have failed miserably. Boxing is a not just a sport, it is part of the American cultural fabric. Boxing can represent a vehicle for young men to gain respect in their communities while avoiding negative peer pressure.
Safety measures must be instituted nationally to reduce permanent neurological injury to boxers:
• Every professional fighter (both boxers and mixed martial artists) must have a complete annual neurological examination.
• Exposure to head blows must be limited during a fighter’s career. This can be done by regulating the number of rounds fought, the total number of fights and/or age of the fighter.
• A system of national regulation must be put in place similar to other sports. The current statewide commission system offers too much variability and federal regulation may be cumbersome.
This week, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame will induct new members at the Mohegan Sun Casino. As at most similar affairs, there will be a lot of discussion about “the good old days.” Wouldn’t it be great if the legacy left behind by these brave men was to make their sport safer?
Athletes have make-up to overcome physical and mental challenges
The 2009 baseball season has officially closed. After a season filled with late-inning comebacks and walk-off home runs, a World Series champion has been crowned.
Two stories of baseball comebacks deserve some extra attention while we await the spring arrival of pitchers and catchers:
• In August, Jerry Remy returned to the Red Sox broadcast booth after an extended illness. He was diagnosed with lung cancer the previous fall and underwent surgery. An infection followed but after going through appropriate treatment, it was depression that crippled him. Remy then stepped forward to make people aware of the scope of the problem. He now openly encourages those suffering from depression to get help in the form of medication and psychotherapy. His bold admission helps remove any stigma associated with psychiatric diseases.
• Aaron Boone underwent open heart surgery in March at the age of 36. The surgery repaired a chronic problem with his aorta that included replacement of the aortic valve. He impressively returned to major league play in September with the Houston Astros. His recovery included standard cardiac rehabilitation in addition to extensive work aimed at regaining his baseball skills.
Both stories highlight some essential personality traits necessary for success in athletics. Athletes do not fear challenges, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Successful athletes have a dedication to training that distinguishes them from others. The burden of not trying to return far outweighs any embarrassment associated with being unsuccessful in that effort.
Aaron Boone may never play another major league game and Jerry Remy may still have to deal with depression, but both know that their stories have helped many others face physical and mental challenges.
Two stories of baseball comebacks deserve some extra attention while we await the spring arrival of pitchers and catchers:
• In August, Jerry Remy returned to the Red Sox broadcast booth after an extended illness. He was diagnosed with lung cancer the previous fall and underwent surgery. An infection followed but after going through appropriate treatment, it was depression that crippled him. Remy then stepped forward to make people aware of the scope of the problem. He now openly encourages those suffering from depression to get help in the form of medication and psychotherapy. His bold admission helps remove any stigma associated with psychiatric diseases.
• Aaron Boone underwent open heart surgery in March at the age of 36. The surgery repaired a chronic problem with his aorta that included replacement of the aortic valve. He impressively returned to major league play in September with the Houston Astros. His recovery included standard cardiac rehabilitation in addition to extensive work aimed at regaining his baseball skills.
Both stories highlight some essential personality traits necessary for success in athletics. Athletes do not fear challenges, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Successful athletes have a dedication to training that distinguishes them from others. The burden of not trying to return far outweighs any embarrassment associated with being unsuccessful in that effort.
Aaron Boone may never play another major league game and Jerry Remy may still have to deal with depression, but both know that their stories have helped many others face physical and mental challenges.
UConn homicide shows how athletes cope with loss
Grief, bereavement and mourning are terms that define the intense feeling of sorrow over the loss of a beloved person. While these sentiments are apparent in many situations, the loss of a favorite athlete or performer seems to attract great attention.
Two weeks ago, tragedy struck the University of Connecticut football team when Jasper Howard was murdered. The response to this event by players, fans and opposing teams is what makes this situation remarkable.
In 1969, Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross described the five stages of grief:
• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance
Every individual works through these stages at a different pace and uses a variety of mechanisms to deal with each. Athletes tend to revert to what they know best by immersing themselves in athletic competition while dealing with their loss.
Two goals of grieving involve finding a way to cope with loss and living on in the face of that loss. Sports are a very physical and instrumental way of coping for many people. Some prefer other outward signs such as dedication to a cause, starting a charitable foundation or even wearing a tattoo.
“Grieving helps meet the challenge of resuming life in the face of loss; we must respect the different ways people cope with loss,” said Dr. Kenneth J. Doka, a professor at the College of New Rochelle and consultant to the Hospice Foundation of America. Death of a teammate is no different than any other death in the workplace. It must be recognized and all involved should be supportive in continuing on.
Jasper Howard’s death has brought so many people together to mourn and hopefully work together to stop the senseless violence that ended his life too soon.
Two weeks ago, tragedy struck the University of Connecticut football team when Jasper Howard was murdered. The response to this event by players, fans and opposing teams is what makes this situation remarkable.
In 1969, Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross described the five stages of grief:
• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance
Every individual works through these stages at a different pace and uses a variety of mechanisms to deal with each. Athletes tend to revert to what they know best by immersing themselves in athletic competition while dealing with their loss.
Two goals of grieving involve finding a way to cope with loss and living on in the face of that loss. Sports are a very physical and instrumental way of coping for many people. Some prefer other outward signs such as dedication to a cause, starting a charitable foundation or even wearing a tattoo.
“Grieving helps meet the challenge of resuming life in the face of loss; we must respect the different ways people cope with loss,” said Dr. Kenneth J. Doka, a professor at the College of New Rochelle and consultant to the Hospice Foundation of America. Death of a teammate is no different than any other death in the workplace. It must be recognized and all involved should be supportive in continuing on.
Jasper Howard’s death has brought so many people together to mourn and hopefully work together to stop the senseless violence that ended his life too soon.
Marathon Walking
Walking has been an essential function in human evolution. This form of mobility allowed early man to hunt, gather and defend.
As more sedentary lifestyles have emerged, walking is proving to be an effective means of increasing longevity. The American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps per day (five miles) to reap the full health benefit. Although this may be a lofty goal, after consulting with a physician, any distance is movement in the right direction.
Benefits include:
• Lower blood pressure
• Weight reduction
• Better stamina
The increased popularity of fitness walking has given rise to many walking events including race walking, charity walks and more recently, marathon walks. As opposed to race walking, where speed and form are crucial, marathon walking is a distance event extending 26.2 miles.
Like any marathon, preparation and support are crucial. Training includes progressively increasing distances, nutrition and using proper equipment.
Hundreds of walkers recently participated in a marathon walk from Old Saybrook Point to Harkness Memorial Park in support of the Terry Brodeur Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Participants were required to complete the walk in an allotted period of time. Training and race day support was provided by the foundation.
Deb Hinchey of Norwich was one of the participants. She trained with a group of seven adult women over a period of months. “We all attained a great feeling of accomplishment when finishing and realized we could go well beyond anything we thought our bodies could do,” said Hinchey. Other than fatigue, the biggest obstacle was avoiding blisters. Many participants purchased shoes a full size larger than normal to accommodate swelling.
In addition to becoming more fit, charity marathon walk participants gain a great feeling of knowing they helped a worthwhile cause.
As more sedentary lifestyles have emerged, walking is proving to be an effective means of increasing longevity. The American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps per day (five miles) to reap the full health benefit. Although this may be a lofty goal, after consulting with a physician, any distance is movement in the right direction.
Benefits include:
• Lower blood pressure
• Weight reduction
• Better stamina
The increased popularity of fitness walking has given rise to many walking events including race walking, charity walks and more recently, marathon walks. As opposed to race walking, where speed and form are crucial, marathon walking is a distance event extending 26.2 miles.
Like any marathon, preparation and support are crucial. Training includes progressively increasing distances, nutrition and using proper equipment.
Hundreds of walkers recently participated in a marathon walk from Old Saybrook Point to Harkness Memorial Park in support of the Terry Brodeur Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Participants were required to complete the walk in an allotted period of time. Training and race day support was provided by the foundation.
Deb Hinchey of Norwich was one of the participants. She trained with a group of seven adult women over a period of months. “We all attained a great feeling of accomplishment when finishing and realized we could go well beyond anything we thought our bodies could do,” said Hinchey. Other than fatigue, the biggest obstacle was avoiding blisters. Many participants purchased shoes a full size larger than normal to accommodate swelling.
In addition to becoming more fit, charity marathon walk participants gain a great feeling of knowing they helped a worthwhile cause.
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