Catherine McCulloch Health Team Leader Sport Bay of Plenty

Unfortunately, current health statistics of New Zealanders make for grim reading. The modern busy lifestyle lends itself to inactivity and poor eating habits; people reach for convenience foods rather than more nutritious alternatives.

The prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is growing. Many individuals need to look at their activity levels and what they are eating; and make improvements to ensure better health outcomes and avoid these chronic conditions.

If you need support to do this, Sport BOP's free Green Prescription service may be the answer. A Green Prescription is a referral from your GP or practice nurse to help you become more physically active and improve your eating habits. This programme assists through education, support, encouragement and links to physical activity options.

Rob Cate, aged 47, was referred to Green Prescription by his GP earlier this year – and his inspirational story outlines what can be achieved through determination, focus and the support of the programme.

On referral, Rob weighed 152 kg and was on numerous medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol. He required a machine to assist with breathing at night, due to sleep apnoea related to his obesity. Rob had low self-esteem and was self-conscious to go out in public. Due to repeated admissions to hospital, Rob knew he needed to do something to help himself.

Following an initial consultation with a Green Prescription advisor, Rob was identified as an appropriate candidate for the four-week self-management education sessions for clients at risk of cardiovascular disease. The information he learned on the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating, managing stress and understanding medications is invaluable in changing his mindset and kick-starting his motivation and desire to become healthier.

He started attending the Green Prescription Group Active sessions, which are low to moderate intensity circuit classes. Rob liked this group environment, where participants all support each other and the exercises are modified to suit the different fitness levels and abilities.

He also changed his diet significantly, by cutting out frequent takeaways, drinking water instead of fizzy and eating regular meals with more fresh fruit and vegetables. He is pleased to report his new eating habits save him $60 a week.

The increased self-esteem and confidence he gained from Green Prescription was the catalyst for Rob deciding to participate in a community Biggest Loser competition, run by Lee-Anne Wann. This further increased his activity levels, through boxing and other weight lifting activities. Rob won this competition through the biggest weight loss and most muscle mass gained.

Seven months on, and Rob is a changed person. He has lost 63 kilograms, his blood pressure is within normal range; he has gone off all his medications and no longer needs the machine to assist with breathing at night times.

He has lots of energy, loves exercising regularly and has influenced his family members to join the gym and become more active. He is now trying things he never thought he would –and is training to do the bike leg in the upcoming Tinman event.

In addition, he's returned to full time employment as a boat builder, something he couldn't do prior due to his health conditions.

Robs advice is 'there will be ups and downs but stick to it”. He found the Green Prescription programme very beneficial and supportive and he knew the advisors really cared about his progress.

If you think you could benefit from the free Green Prescription programme, talk to your GP or practice nurse, or visit the Sport Bay of Plenty website: www.sportbop.co.nz/health_adult_green_prescription