Oh, what a difficult year it was!! A year that left its mark not only on our affairs, but on our health, on our psychological state.
So what about the idea of including the Camino de Santiago in a doctor's recommendations as a remedy for physical and mental ailments? What if a computer program were created that, depending on a person's condition, recommended the Camino de Santiago and monitored its completion. Does this seem like science fiction? But why not?
A few years ago, Oviedo hosted an e-health congress where the latest advances in technology were presented. The most unexpected health monitoring systems were presented there, helping to solve problems immediately. Imagine how great it would be if a mobile app analyzed your mental state and prescribed you, for example, walks in the fresh air or communication with friends. And why wouldn’t this app prescribe you the Camino Santiago? Or let your doctor prescribe you this.
The pandemic will, unfortunately, have long-term mental health consequences that we cannot yet imagine. It will affect all age groups and all social classes. Disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression are already reaching unprecedented levels. And this is not the end. No one can predict when our lives will reach equilibrium. And what kind of equilibrium it will be. Our psyches certainly need help.
The benefits of walking have been known since ancient times. We breathe clean air, being in contact with nature.
We perform physical and aerobic exercises in a completely natural way, which ensures well-being of both body and soul.
We socialize and meet new people, which increases our happiness and reduces stress.
We accelerate our personal growth by solving specific problems in our lives.
So, let's offer a recipe!
The Camino de Santiago is prescribed for you.
Depending on the disease, you have more than 50 paths to choose from.
Camino Primitivo: 13 stages. 213 km.
Camino Francés from Roncesvalles: 26 stages. 750 km.
From Santiago to Fisterra: 3 stages. 90 km.
Camino del Salvador, Camino del Norte, Camino de la Costa, English Way, Camino Olvidado,….
Contraindications:
The Camino is not recommended for those who do not know how to respect nature.
Interactions:
The Camino involves endless interactions that will evoke a sense of connection with the environment and nature. Other pilgrims, locals, forests, rivers, bridges, mountains, valleys, magical places to get lost in and take back control of life. Take back our lives. The Camino is real life.
Adverse reactions:
It is possible that, having stopped to have a snack at places where the Camino passes and wanting to try all the traditional delicacies, the pilgrim arrives in Santiago with a significant increase in weight. Although this is only a joke. Your body will acquire its true shape, having shed the excess that arose in it in an unfavorable passive environment.
Warnings and precautions:
Any traveler with a chronic medical condition should carry the necessary medications with them throughout their trip.
All medications, especially those required by prescription, must be kept in carry-on baggage in their original containers with visible labels.
The traveller must carry the name and contact details of their doctor with them along with other travel documents, as well as information about their medical condition and treatment, as well as details of medications (including generic names of medications) and prescribed dosages. This information must also be stored in an electronic format so that it can be retrieved remotely (e.g. in a secure database).
You must also have a doctor's note confirming the need for medications or other sanitary supplies (for example, syringes).
Patients with diabetes:
A diabetic should carry two copies of medications. One in your backpack and one in your luggage in case one of the two gets lost.
Remember to always have glucose tablets and some food (sandwiches, nuts...) on hand.
Try to stick to your meal schedule as carefully as possible. Don't skip a single one.
Prepare your feet for the Camino. It would be a good idea to visit an orthopedist. Feet and nails need to be treated with particular care. The successful outcome of the Camino depends on them first and foremost.
In case of foot injury during the Camino, we recommend that you go to your local pharmacy for an initial examination and, if necessary, see a doctor.
Those who suffer from allergies to wasp or bee stings or food allergies should also worry about medications. And if necessary, contact a doctor immediately. Any employee of the hostel or bar will definitely help you. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Patients with cardiovascular diseases can also go on the Camino, following the recommendations of their cardiologist. In fact, it can be a great option for a healthy lifestyle. If your doctor does not object, go ahead. The Camino is also good because you can plan it depending on your condition. But do not neglect at least a little preliminary preparation. Start walking. Gradually increase the distance of your home route to at least 10 kilometers. In any case, it will only be beneficial.
It's okay if you use a taxi or a bus on difficult sections. After all, the most important thing is your health. Once you've passed the difficult section, you'll continue enjoying your Path. After all, the Camino is not about being the first or forcing yourself to go when you can't. The Camino is the Path to yourself, to your life. It's just life. Here, today, and now.
And finally, remember that:
Spain has a Mediterranean model of pharmacies, where 99% of the population has guaranteed access to a pharmacy. At least for every 2,000 inhabitants you will find one pharmacy where you will definitely receive medical care.
The emergency number is 112. Well, that's it. Just in case.
So what do you think about being prescribed the Camino?
Nice way! Isn't it?
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