The Green Prescription (GRx) team at Sports Canterbury is looking forward to an energetic start for its Be Active 2010 term starting this month after posting an excellent result for its 2009 programme.
The October–December 2009 Be Active programmes were delivered through the Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, the Hagley Horticultural Hall and the QEII Park Recreational and Sport Centre. They showed improvements of between 36 percent to 50 percent in the health of those who graduated, with an average of 28 people graduating from each programme. In addition, Green Prescription received a 95 percent approval rating from its participants.
The Be Active programme based at QEII was the first time a six-week evening programme was offered. From this 31 people graduated with 82% reporting an improvement in fitness and overall wellbeing. An evening Be Active programme will run at Pioneer Leisure Centre beginning this month, while further day programmes are planned for QEII and the Hagley Horticultural Hall.
Other improvements noted were increases in energy levels (63% - 73%) and improved weight/dress size (57% to 59%). Increased lifestyle activity also showed great results with changes from 88 percent to 91 percent
Be Active is a low-impact activity programme, aimed at people who are ready to make a change and are new to activity. Developed by Sport Canterbury's Green Prescription team, the programmes are supported by the Canterbury District Health Board and Partnership Health Primary Health Organisation.
The Christchurch City Council is actively involved in the Be Active programme.
John Filsell, Manager Recreation and Sports says: "It is an extraordinary programme that engages people of all ages who are not currently physically active, and who may have experienced barriers to physical activity such as lack of confidence and motivation, negative body image, concerns about personal safety..."
"GRx is a welcome addition to our range of activities and our full support is behind the programme," says Mr Filsell.
Participants in a Be Active programme require a sign-off from a GP or practice nurse who writes a prescription to engage in programme of activity, including aqua-jogging, gym work, dancing and yoga, for the patient.
Green Prescription Area Manager, Linda Wensley says the hardest part for many is taking the first step and deciding to make a change.
"When people join a programme they realise that being active is fun, and it really does add life to your years,'' she says. "People start to feel healthier, more energetic and get excited about doing things they never thought possible."
Research indisputably shows activity reduces our chance of developing a number of chronic lifestyle conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Put it simply, it improves our chances of being around to enjoy life, and see our children and grandchildren grow up.
"Tama tū tama ora, tama noho tama mate" (The person who is active will live long and live well, but the person who only sits will not).
Anyone who is not active and wants to take that first step, should think of getting a Green Prescription.
