Green Prescription making a big difference in Taranaki

EIGHTY-ONE per cent of Green Prescription (GRx) patients surveyed in the Taranaki area have noticed a change in their health since they "went Green", and 68% are more active after six to eight months.
Green Prescription is a Ministry of Health initiative, aimed to help people whose health would benefit from increased physical activity.
The programme involves general practitioners and practice nurses giving a 'Green Prescription' to patients, who are then eligible for support and advice through phone calls, face to face contact or through activity groups.
"Sport Taranaki and Peak Health PHO are currently helping within the region of 400 Green Prescription patients to reap the health benefits of activities such as walking or swimming," says Green Prescription Area Manager Jenny Gibson. 
"The patients that benefit most are those with conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. It is fantastic to see the difference that the programme can make to people's quality and enjoyment of life.  We are delighted to hear that we are the best in the country for service provision and that 96 per cent of people who were referred to Green Prescription in Taranaki last year are satisfied with the service we provide."
Marion from Hawera has been a Green Prescription patient since November 2009 and has lost weight, improved her eating habits, is sleeping better and generally feeling great.  "I found the programme immensely satisfying, with the staff there to motivate and encourage me, it made reaching my goal that much easier.  The staff at Sport Taranaki and their expertise has been priceless."
Over 30,000 people throughout New Zealand are currently following a Green Prescription. Most of the contract holders now provide community based physical activity programmes for those on Green Prescription and wanting to make lifestyle changes.  "The group exercise and education programme called Formula 4 that is facilitated by Sport Taranaki has been a huge success with helping small groups of individuals to make lifestyle changes.  The programme really helps to motivate people as does having the incentives of discounts to gyms and aquatic centres available to those with a Green Prescription," says Jenny.
For further information on Green Prescription talk to your general practitioner or practice nurse, call 0800 ACTIVE (0800 228 483) or visit www.moh.govt.nz/greenprescription