Every day we read and see "the obesity problem" or the diabetes pandemic. Media statements are released constantly about New Zealand and our high obesity rates. We are constantly reading headings such as — New Zealand is now the third most obese nation in the OECD and rates appear to be rising. Since 2006 obesity in NZ has increased and the rising tide of preventable chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease threatens our quality of life.
The good news is we can take control of how we live eat and exercise at any time. The Sport Whanganui Green Prescription programme has three basic goals, to exercise 30 minutes most days of the week, be mindful of what we are eating and to manage our health conditions.
Many people are joining Green Prescription because their doctor or practice nurse has identified a health problem such as weight issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, mental wellbeing, arthritis or at risk of having a stroke.
Below is a story from Michael, aged 66, a Green Prescription client who tells his experience on the Sport Whanganui Green Prescription programme.
"My experience of the Green Prescription programme is that it is aiding me in my recovery from a farm accident involving my foot. Essentially the Green Prescription programme supports me in my exercises in the Marton pools in which a group of us are able to walk about 17 lengths, which equates to roughly 1.5km allowing for water resistance.
"We meet every morning at 7am and walk for an hour. The water supports us in a way that we wouldn't get pounding the pavement and we can have conversations at the same time. In addition because the Green Prescription programme is GP referred, any medical issues can be monitored at the same time. It's a pragmatic and helpful link with the medical teams.
