By HANNAH FOSTER-MIDDLETON
October is one of those months that seems to have something for everyone. The children are thinking about costumes, pumpkins and enough sweets to keep a dentist busy for weeks, while the adults are suddenly reminded that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
So, while we may be thinking about ghosts and things that go bump in the night, there are a few things about our health that are actually worth paying attention to — and perhaps a little less frightening than we imagine.
Beware the Things That Creep Up on You!
Halloween is all about things appearing when you least expect them. Unfortunately, our bodies can sometimes do something similar.
Aches, stiffness, weakness and loss of balance can creep up gradually. We often ignore small changes because they don't seem important enough to do anything about.
"My shoulder has been bothering me for a while."
"I don't seem to have as much strength in that leg."
"I've noticed I'm getting a little more unsteady."
"I can't quite reach behind my back like I used to."
None of these necessarily means something serious is wrong, but they are signals worth listening to.
One of the things I love about physiotherapy is that we don't just treat the painful bit. We look at how the whole body is moving and functioning and try to identify what might be contributing to the problem.
Sometimes the best time to address a problem is before it becomes a big problem.
Pink Isn't Just a Colour in October
October also brings Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the familiar pink ribbons are everywhere for a very good reason: they remind us to pay attention to breast health and to support those affected by breast cancer.
For women who have undergone breast cancer surgery or treatment, rehabilitation can be an important part of recovery.
Treatment may involve surgery, lymph-node removal, radiation or chemotherapy, and these can leave women dealing with problems such as shoulder stiffness, reduced arm movement, weakness, pain, fatigue or swelling.
And here's something that isn't always appreciated: recovering from cancer treatment isn't simply about getting through the medical treatment itself.
It is also about getting back to living.
Being able to reach into a cupboard. Put on a bra. Wash your hair. Carry the shopping. Lift your grandchild. Return to work. Exercise. Sleep comfortably. Feel confident using your body again.
These everyday things matter enormously.
Don't Be Afraid to Move
After breast cancer treatment, it is understandable that some women become cautious about movement. They may worry that exercise or using the affected arm could cause harm.
In many cases, however, appropriately prescribed movement and exercise are an important part of recovery.
Physiotherapy can help restore shoulder and upper-limb movement, improve strength and flexibility, manage pain and stiffness, and help women gradually return to normal activities.
If lymphoedema develops, physiotherapists with appropriate training can also help with management strategies.
The important word is appropriately.
Recovery isn't a competition, and there is no prize for doing too much too soon. The aim is to gradually rebuild confidence, strength and function.
A Halloween Reminder for All of Us
Perhaps there is a little message hiding underneath all the pumpkins and pink ribbons this October.
Don't be frightened of your body.
Listen to it.
If something has changed, don't automatically dismiss it as "getting older." If you notice a new or persistent symptom, get it checked. And if you've been through cancer treatment, remember that rehabilitation is part of recovery too.
We spend so much time looking after everyone else that it can be surprisingly easy to put our own health at the bottom of the list.
So this Halloween, by all means enjoy the costumes, the decorations and perhaps a little chocolate — I'm certainly not going to tell you that Halloween sweets are forbidden!
But while we're thinking about things that scare us, let's make sure we aren't ignoring the things that deserve our attention.
Look after your bones, muscles, joints and balance. Keep moving. Get appropriate health checks. And if your body is telling you something isn't quite right, listen.
Because sometimes the most frightening thing isn't a ghost hiding in the shadows.
It's a health problem that we knew was there — but kept putting off.
Happy Halloween, everyone — and here's to a healthy, active October.