Sport Bay of Plenty Green Prescription

The Green Prescription programme run by Sport Bay of Plenty is funded through the Ministry of Health and local Primary Health Organisations.

It gives GPs and practice nurses the option of prescribing physical activity where it may be considered beneficial to patients who are overweight or have a stable medical condition.

Such medical conditions include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, anxiety and depression.

Trained advisors help clients through encouragement and education, providing options and information on physical activity, realistic goal setting, ongoing support, and providing basic nutritional guidance. This free programme is available for a 6 month period.

There are many different group options available through Green Prescription including Nordic Walking groups, aqua options, circuit classes and education groups for more extensive information.

Each year, the Ministry of Health contract Research New Zealand to complete a survey on a randomised selection of those clients referred to the GRx programme within a certain period.

Sport Bay of Plenty recently received the 2013 results and was pleased to be one of the top performing providers exceeding the average national results for all of the 9 key areas.

The Bay of Plenty region scores well for participants improving their physical activity level with 77 % now more active 6-8 months after receiving their Green Prescription compared to the national average of 63%.

A total of 70% of respondents have made changes to their diet also. Common changes include drinking more water, eating less ‘junk' food, eating smaller portions and cutting down on fats and sugary foods.

A high proportion of Green Prescription clients found the advice they were given was helpful and relevant, the activities suggested were appropriate, and they now feel more confident about doing physical activity. 89% felt supported to maintain their behaviour changes through the regular follow up contact while on the programme.

Benefits reported from those participating in the programme include feeling stronger, fitter, losing weight, more energy, less stressed, lower blood pressure and sleeping better.

Around 35,000 people throughout New Zealand are currently following a Green Prescription.

If you would like to benefit from becoming more physically active, and want some help and advice to achieve this, please contact your local doctor or practice nurse or visit the Sport Bay of Plenty website on

http://www.sportbop.co.nz/health_adult_green_prescription