Fitter, healthier thanks to Green Prescription

Lesley McTainish takes her dog Buster for a walk in Caversham - an activity she struggled with...
Lesley McTainish takes her dog Buster for a walk in Caversham - an activity she struggled with before starting Sport Otago's Green Prescription programme in January. Photo by David Beck

Dunedin woman Lesley McTainish is feeling fitter and healthier after starting Sport Otago's Green Prescription programme at the beginning of this year.

Mrs McTainish said she had bad arthritis in both knees and had a fall several years ago.

''I couldn't get my knees fixed because of age and arthritis setting in. I was told I would need two new knee replacements - it gradually got worse and my doctor said `how about trying the Green Prescription?','' she said.

She had an interview at Sport Otago, where they asked her about her health and what she would like to do before giving her a ''huge range'' of exercise and nutrition options to fit in with her lifestyle.

She also suffers from asthma and that, along with the pain in her knees from the arthritis, was hindering her lifestyle.

Since beginning the programme she has attended a Green Prescription aqua jogging class; has been set up with a physical education student from the University of Otago from whom she receives one-on-one support twice a week; and either walks outside or on her treadmill on the other days.

''With not knowing how to do fitness regimes and that, they put you on the right track - it's designed specifically for you; it's all about working out what's best for you and doing what you want to do.

''It's been absolutely fantastic and I'm very lucky I've got a great trainer.''

Since January Mrs McTainish has lost 9kg, increased her fitness, reduced the pain in her knees, improved her breathing and increased her mobility.

''It's a combination. As well as the exercise I talked to a nutritionist - as part of the programme - and changed my own way of eating. I've limited the number of calories I take in.

''I feel so much better. I had trouble walking up hills without stopping but now I can go out and go for walks. I definitely recommend the programme. I'd never heard of it before but I would definitely tell anybody if they have the opportunity to do it.''

Anyone who would benefit from becoming physically active and is not achieving two and a-half hours of moderate activity a week can take part in the Green Prescription programme.

They must be 18 years old or over and any medical condition must be stable.

The programme is free and people can refer themselves directly to it online at the Sport Otago website, www.sportotago.co.nz/health/green-prescription.

A Green Prescription co-ordinator will contact the person within two weeks to arrange a consultation.

- by David Beck 

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