GRx Success Story - Jill Friend

"I BOUGHT GREAT NEW SHOES!!"

These are words that Jill Friend is thrilled to say - because a few months ago due to having diabetes, fitting shoes were a problem for Jill.  But not anymore!   With the help of a Green Prescription and a realisation she may one day have to inject herself with insulin, this lovely 58 year old has turned her life around - she found out what would happen if she didn‚t make some changes to her physical activity levels and her nutrition.
A relative newcomer to Nelson, at 113kg Jill had stopped looking at herself in a mirror, stopped contemplating her bodyweight and was feeling constantly thirsty.   Jill's blood pressure was high, she admitted she could barely drag herself upstairs in her 2-storey home and she was sleeping very poorly , waking feeling lethargic and depressed.  Jill and her husband's trips down the Sounds were regulated by frequent 'comfort stops' and Jill knew she was consuming too much processed food - she just felt too tired and demotivated to prepare and cook nutritious dinners.

When her doctor Geoff McAlpine at Richmond Health told Jill she had Type 2 Diabetes she burst into tears - but was relieved that finally here was some reason she felt the way she did - and Jill understood there were simple things she could change that would make a big difference in her body.  
Dr McAlpine issued Jill with a Green Prescription referral and she was contacted by her Patient Support Person Bee who helped Jill set some short term exercise and nutrition goals; simple steps that she could start taking straight away.
Jill didn‚t waste time - understanding the vital link between regular exercise and managing Type 2 diabetes, Jill decided she would just start to walk - so she walked the flat road to work and back 3 times.  Within the space of week or so she lost 3kgs, just by walking regularly and eating Œlike her granny did‚ with healthy meats and vegetables instead of take-out food.
Acting on nutrition advice Jill read about diabetic food choices and got rid of a lot of food in her cupboards and freezer that she could no longer use. She started to read food labels (even asking strangers to read the sugar and fat content of food when she had forgotten her glasses!)  Thinking smart,  Jill got new, smaller plates and dishes to help control her portion sizes and still make their meals 'look nice'.
Supported and motivated by her Green Prescription monthly contacts, Jill found her walking getting easier. She could go further, in a shorter time and after starting with 3 walks a week had increased to walking to and from her work every day - 5 times a week!  She found that going upstairs at home was becoming a breeze and was so proud when doctor shook her hand and congratulated her on her progress!
In the time since she was diagnosed with diabetes, Jill‚s walking and food changes have meant she has lost a fantastic 17kgs!  As her stamina increases and her weight decreases Jill‚s now considering adding to her daily walks by adding 5-10 extra minutes as she approaches home after work, and trying a gentle, short hill walk during the weekend.
Jill's words of advice to anybody dealing with diabetes is to 'get a Green Prescription and talk to somebody affirmative, helpful and non-judgemental'.   Go Jill!

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