For Liz
Ok, so depending on severity of shin splints - mine got really bad.
First thing, exercise. Counter intuitive, I know. There's 2 main exercises that helped my shins 1) foot rotations where you make a circle with your foot. Do at least 20 one way and 20 the other way on each foot. 2) heel dips/raises. http://www.ehow.com/video_2351682_heel-raise-exercises.html Best done off the edge of steps but when I don't have them I will do them just standing.
Next, dont jump into the exercise. If youre power walking start with a regular walk. And don't skimp on this part, I know you want to get going but when you haven't been working certain muscles like the shins they need to be gently "woken" up again - especially when you got some extra weight because we're putting more pressure on it than the average person. I'd say at least 10 mins of just walking. your shins will thank you and that warm up will decrease with time.
third - and this is a holy grail - HEEL CUPS. http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-SPGHC.html for example. You can run by a sports store and ask for heel cups for running tell em you have shin splints and they will find you some. They're also good for like walking round disneyland ;) Heel cups made all the difference int he world that and ....
Good Shoes - if you're doing power walks in bad shoes you're not absorbing as much shock as you can. Heel cups will help a lot but eventually you're gonna want some good shoes, too!
Hope this helps!
Oh btw, KT tape did nothing for me....if these suggestions don't help hit me up again and I'll explain to you about taping shins to assist