Green Prescription Paves Way to Healthier Lifestyles
Regional Sports Trust, Sport Wellington is paving the way to healthier lifestyles through their Green Prescription
programme.
Run by Sport Wellington, Green Prescription (GRx) is a primary health initiative that aims to increase physical activity
and provide nutritional support. The region wide programme is completely free and assists up to 2800 patients a year.
GRx looks to combat medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and/or mental
illness using physical activity, sport and nutrition as a vehicle to health and wellbeing.
The team link their patients into services, sports and activities that build their community and social wellbeing as
well as their health. They provide advice, support and resources, reducing barriers and enabling patients access to
everything needed in the path to a healthier lifestyle. One aspect of this is the participation in various community
sporting events. For the fifth consecutive year, Sport Wellington sponsored Green Prescriptions patients to take part in
the AMI Round the Bays. Up from last years 59, this years event saw 81 members of the Green Prescription programme
participate.
Wellington woman Annette Lynch, 73, was referred to GRx in February 2013. In 2011, Annette was diagnosed with severe
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the joints, back, knees and ankles making everyday movement a painful struggle and leaving her
dependant on a walking frame to get around. Determined not to let her condition slow her down, Annette began the Healthy
Lifestyle programme run by Green Prescription, an 8 week program designed to educate on nutrition while encouraging and
facilitating physical activity.
12 months later, through extreme determination and her work with the GRx team, Annette no longer relies on her walking
frame. She no longer lets her condition stop her from enjoying life and walks with her grandchildren, and even set a
goal to walk the biggest distance she has since she was a young woman.
Taking one painstaking step at a time, with Healthy Lifestyle programme coordinator Toshy Rapana by her side, Annette
Lynch successfully completed the 6.5km walk at AMI Round the Bays 2014 with a time of 2.00.33. Annette admits “I didn’t
think I would be able to do it, but I got there. I feel like I have really achieved something.” Annette has not only
served as an inspiration to others taking part in the program but the Green Prescription team themselves. “I’m just so
inspired,” says Toshy, “she suffers pain on a daily basis, but accepts it with such compassion and spirit.”
When asked what she would tell others in a similar situation, Annette’s advice was “you can surprise yourself if you’re
determined enough to do it. If you struggle, try to find someone who can help support you or perhaps join an exercise
group or social group.”
As they crossed they finish line, well after most had already finished and were on their way home, Toshy and Annette
celebrated their success with a high five. Though her work with GRx is complete, Annette hopes to maintain an active
lifestyle and has her sights set on the 2015 Round the Bays with a goal to beat her 2014 time of 2 hours.
For more information on Sport Wellington and Green Prescription visit www.sportwellington.org.nz.
ENDS