Emer O'Callaghan: Get moving, ladies, for a longer life

It’s been a busy summer of sport. We’ve had the Lions - that’s the big one in my family - the golf, the tennis, the camogie, and sure, look, we all know it ended up a disappointing old summer on the GAA front in Cork.

No-one is more disappointed than the players and management when a loss like the hurling final happens. These people give so much of their time and lives for an amateur game.

I find that recognition is often lost in an era of professional sports, that we all need reminding it’s still for the love of the game these GAA lads play.

If I can take you back in time here, basketball was massive in Cork 20 or 30 years ago, and I will bring you back in time further again to my favourite one, swimming.

I know I get slagged a lot for my shimmery swimming togs that I wear in the sea. Wanda - from the movie A Fish Called Wanda - is my swimming nickname and I laugh myself at that one.

If you know me at all, you will know I honestly don’t take myself too seriously, and I believe a sense of humour is one of the most attractive traits anyone can have. God knows, we can’t crack a joke any more!

But I just want to tell you briefly about what I found out while walking recently one Sunday morning.

I did the Crosshaven, Camden over to Church Bay scenic walk and the views were just spectacular.

Now, just a heads up, this is a tough enough old walk and you will be climbing rocks and up steep areas, so it’s not for anyone not used to tough walks. But I so loved it.

Anyway, as I got on to Graball Bay I saw a dead seal... aw, my heart went out to the poor fella.

I went in through what was once the swimming hub of Cork, now just an old ruin - The Weavers Point Swimming Club.

Back in the 1940s, this was a huge swimming club, and outdoor swimming galas took place by Sundays Well and Dolphin clubs. The swims were 25 yards long, some rocks were cemented to create stops, and a diving board for competitions there was enjoyed by hundreds.

People travelled down on the buses and the Crosshaven/Blackrock railway was very busy. This was before cars were everywhere, and people came from all over.

These were huge events and social gathering days out, locals and holidaymakers took part as well as some of the best swimmers in Cork.

It was such a golden era of swimming in Cork, and as I stood there looking at it all, I tried to imagine what it must have been like to race here - , oh I’d have loved it. You’d have found me here every weekend if I was around then, that’s for sure.

I did get a laugh reading about how Graball Bay apparently got its name, after a local business lady who used to fleece the tourists every summer! Very funny, our Cork wit was always strong.

As many know, I am from a sporting family, swimming is my favourite one of all, both my parents were sports mad and actively instilled a love of sports and exercise in my four brothers and I from a very young age.

Dad was a talented soccer fanatic but loved every sport, he used to wake the boys up to come up and watch any big sporting occasions if they were on late at night on TV, and if the noise woke me, sure I’d be dragged in to watch too.

Our parents instilled a love and excitement about all sports in all of us at home, mum taught swimming in Churchfield pool and we’d all walk from Bishopstown to Churchfield over the famous Shakey Bridge every Sunday morning for her.

Away for hours, happy out in the pool, then walk home again.

I always loved competing in swimming competitions too and every time you won a gala you got a badge to sew onto your swimming togs. Jeez, I’d more badges than I had togs at the rate we grew in the O’Callaghan house.

I feel swimming is a basic life skill everyone should know, I just love it so it’s easier then.

While we love our sports in Cork, the game of life is the only game in town really, as we all work hard to be as fit and healthy as we can be for as long as we can.

This week, I want to explain why movement is key to not just firm, toned, fit, healthy bodies, but to the longevity of life too.

MODERN DAY STRESS

The internet, social media and phones have added a huge stress for so many today, with pressure to be posting their perfect, ideal body, jobs, homes, cars, pets, friends...

You’d be an eejit if you believed half of what you see today on social media, if you ask me.

In my job, I see every day the impacts of modern life on people, far too many women of every age now are overstretched, juggling far too much, and have no time to stop, rest, pause, or get a chance to check in on themselves, let alone any self-care time.

Women are selfless, we put everyone ahead of ourselves. I always say to my clients when they come in for their facials, ‘Well done, you, for prioritising some time for you’.

Many savvy ones will reply: ‘Well, if I don’t do it, no-one else will do it for me’ - and you can sing that one, sister.

MAKING TIME FOR YOU

It’s rare for someone to knock on your door and say, ‘Here, girl, off you go, I’ve a facial booked in for you, I will sort the dinner, the washing, and drop all the kids to training, you just enjoy your time out’ - that’s just wishful thinking really, the kind of daydream many can only dare to dream of!

This is why it’s imperative you start putting yourself on your list of jobs every day.

Think about it for a second: what nice thing have you done for you today, this week, this month? It’s time to get you on the list of priorities now going forward.

My clients book in their next facial before they leave the clinic, firstly they know how busy I am, but by booking it, they are making that point of ensuring their me-time is locked in,

Many of my regulars actually book their whole year’s appointments in and have their time set in their own calenders, and this shows they know the value of self-care.

MIND, BODY, SOUL COMPLEX

A facial is so much more than just a skin treatment, it’s a relaxing experience, quiet time to rest, recharge and rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.

Everyone works on the body and now the mind too, as we have so much mental health education today, thank God - but tell me this, who is working on their soul?

I believe it is so important in our journey in life and I don’t think we have evolved enough yet to know the importance of doing soul work.

This world would be a far more peaceful place if more knew the importance of our soul’s journey too. We would respect and value other souls more.

MOVEMENT AND NATURE

We are so blessed in Cork, we live near so many beautiful beaches and nature walks.

A simple walk on the beach barefoot can de-stress and calm the whole body’s nervous system. Paddle in some sea water, better again, you get a lovely natural foot exfoliation, but you also get the calming, de-stressing elements.

I am a firm believer regarding fitness and movement, that you use it or lose it, far too many are sitting all day long then going home to sit all night on the couch - Jeez, I’d crack up. I actually find it hard to sit for very long, I just like movement and I always have stuff to do.

We have gone far too sedentary in our lives, our ancestors must be watching on in horror at us sitting on our asses all day and night staring at screens and phones.

It doesnt matter how old you are, just move, walk, get up, go out, pull a few weeds in the garden, walk down to the shop for The Echo, but for God’s sake get out of the armchair or desk and get your body moving. You are not a plant you know, you’re not pot-bound. Movement is the key to longevity in life, for all. Age is not a limiting factor for anyone unless you make it so, you have to push yourself.

I have a client, she is 89 and has two short walks every day with her little dog, and she will tell you straight out, it’s her walking every day that’s got her to the age she is.

Make daily movement an essential part of life, not only will you feel better, you’ll look it too. Your muscle tone and strength will be far better and you will be less likely to have trips and falls with a stronger core.

• Emer O’Callaghan is a beauty doctor and skin specialist who won Irish Beauty Therapist of the year and works at Emerald Organic Beauty Products Ltd, trading as Emerald Beauty Clinic, 021 4365949. A Multi Award Winning Five Star Gold Standard Clinic, 2008-2025, www.emeraldbeautyclinic.ie. Follow us on Facebook/Instagram/TikTok.
• SPECIAL OFFER: All next week, our Sun Damaged and Pigmentation Facial is reduced from €125 to €95, 90 mins, includes a full skin analysis, eyebrow shape, and samples. Appointments necessary, call Emerald Beauty Clinic, 021 4365949. Free parking for clients.