Have you ever sacrificed comfort for fashion during Carnival? We’re willing to bet the answer is yes! Many revellers choose to wear stylish, albeit uncomfortable footwear to complete their costumes. But before you splurge on those fashionable heels or boots to strut your stuff on the road for Tobago Carnival October 25 to 27, consider this: the perfect pair might come at a cost to your foot health.
According to Delicia Burris, a certified medical nail technician and clinical podiatrist medical Assistant, wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate shoes can significantly increase the risk of various foot problems. In fact, a recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association, revealed that nearly 78% of adults have suffered from foot-related issues associated with improper footwear, including bunions, corns and calluses, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and stress fractures.
With the intense wining and long hours on your feet for Carnival, the risk of foot problems is even higher. Choosing the right pair is crucial for enjoying the festivities without sacrificing your comfort and overall well-being. “This is often the last thing on people’s minds during Carnival season,” says the Scarborough, Tobago native. She recommends masqueraders wear sneakers (don’t worry, sneakers can be fashionable too!) with comfortable insoles that are well-fitted and breathable. Adding an insole for extra support is also a good idea. “Make sure your footwear has arch support, and break them in at least a week before,” she advises.
The 30-year-old’s passion for happy feet stemmed from taking care of her late grandfather, who was diabetic. “He was my superhero,” she shares. Due to his limited mobility, he developed foot problems, but Burris couldn’t find anyone in Tobago at that time who specialised in diabetic pedicures and house calls. So, she decided to learn it herself and soon fell in love with it. She later founded Glorious Touch, a health and wellness spa that specialises in diabetic foot and skin care.
“I wanted it to be a comfortable and relaxing spa where, no matter what you are suffering from, there is no judgment,” says the Signal Hill High School past student. “I have dealt with different types of foot issues, so I can say I’ve seen it all, heard it all, and smelled it all. I’m committed to providing the best service to my clients.”
Her: Glorious Touch is offering tailored services for Tobago Carnival. Tell us more.
DB: I treat foot conditions such as corns, calluses, fungal infections. I am offering combo services such as diabetic pedicures for those who want to check their feet, get them scrubbed, and massaged to have them ready for Carnival. Post-Carnival care services include foot restoration and deep tissue leg massages for clients who need a relaxing soak, scrub, and rejuvenating massage. This will help to get you ready to go back out to work feeling renewed.
Her: Have you seen a rise in clients with diabetes visiting your spa since you opened in 2021? What advice / tips do you share with them as it relates to foot care?
DB: Yes, I have. People with diabetes have to change decades-long habits. Exchanging unhealthy routines for healthy ones requires patience and healthy substitutes. An example: I had a client who just got diagnosed with diabetes at age 40.
With all the diet changes, clinic visits, and daily foot checks, she found that it was too much to now have to start checking her feet daily, buying different shoes, and using the recommended diabetic cream. I told her yes, being diabetic is a change, but look at it as a way of self-care that you deserve. I asked her ‘when was the last time you really stopped and took care of you?’ Just like that, she looked at it from a different perspective.
Her: As a member of the Diabetes Association of T&T, how important is it for you to continue to spread awareness about this disease?
DB: Diabetes is a significant health issue in Trinidad and Tobago, I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and learn more about diabetics. At the Association, we do community outreach, health fairs, health talks, and help those who need essential items such as glucose tablets and sugar strips.
Since joining, I have learned so much, and it has helped me a lot with my community and clients’ after-care. I also do a Q&A every Friday on my Tik Tok, and the information from the association helps a lot.
Her: Tell us a little bit more about you. Are you from a close-knit family? What are some of your favourite memories growing up in Tobago?
DB: I grew up on a farm. My father loved farming; from a young age, I used to take care of his nails as he dealt more with the animals than himself. I saw his nails needing to be taken care of, and I loved doing so.
I always wanted to work in the medical field and told my parents I would be a doctor, as I love caring for others. My mom is my cheerleader. I have four older brothers; I am the youngest and only girl in the family. I grew up as a tomboy, hunting, climbing trees, and farming; never in my life did I think that I would go into the beauty field as a profession. My late grandfather always told me to learn a trade because it’s important. He was like a dad to me, so I always listened to him, and I am grateful I did.