Rawiri Te Kowhai credits a programme run by Tracey Ormsby at Korowai Aroha for changing his life. Photo / Ben Fraser
Rawiri Te Kowhai credits a programme run by Tracey Ormsby at Korowai Aroha for changing his life. Photo / Ben Fraser
Rawiri Te Kowhai knew something was up with his body - but when he was told he was a walking heart-attack or stroke victim he decided something needed to change.
The Rotorua man thought he had early symptoms of diabetes but says he never realised it was so bad untilhe saw a nurse at Korowai Aroha who told him unless he did something about his lifestyle he was at real risk of serious health issues.
The 46-year-old father of 10, four of whom are under his sole care, was one of the first in an intake through the Tane Takitu Ake programme run by Korowai Aroha.
In six months he lost 25kg and now, two years on from starting, he's looking at entering body sculpting competitions and is living a vastly different life.
Instead of sticking to a strict diet, he reduced the amount of junk food he ate, moved away from sugary, fatty foods and turned towards more fruit, vegetables and salads.
He started going to the gym at QE Health, where he now goes five times a week.
His father had died young, and the fact that many of the Maori men he knew made it only to their 50s had been a scary reality check.
"I had to be selfish and look after myself first so I could look after the children."
He said learning about the biology of the body and how it worked, as well as the nutrition side, was the biggest benefit of the course.
"Now I don't have high cholesterol, don't have symptoms of diabetes and go for all my health checks."
Close to 100 people have been through the programme with another intake this month.
The only criterion is men must be Maori, with a preference towards those aged between 25 and 65.
To find out more about taking part, contact Korowai Aroha on (07) 348 8454.
