Success Stories - Rose

Rose finds inspiration with Green Prescription

Have you ever looked at the 357 steps that lead from the top of Tamaki Street to Princes Drive and thought "I'll never make it"? Rose Davies of Nelson has, but she set herself a personal goal to climb those steps within four weeks.

In October last year Rose, a longtime asthmatic with high blood pressure, was at a rather low point in her life. Heavier than was healthy for a 57 year old with a family history of high blood pressure and a relative with Diabetes, Rose knew it was very important that she kept physically fit. But working shift work, having interrupted sleep and family stresses made it difficult for Rose to feel motivated and inspired to get moving more, until her doctor, Mike Mawdsley, issued her a second Green Prescription.

Previously Rose had not felt up to getting more active, but this time she was ready. Together with Bee, her support person, Rose looked at her current lifestyle, exercise options and nutrition. Barriers and excuses were discussed, as well as some short term goals and Rose clearly identified that she needed a buddy to help her get motivated to go to classes or walks. She felt nervous about being seen in her swimsuit or in the changing rooms, but soon realized that people of all shapes and sizes benefitted from fun aqua classes at Ngawhatu Pool. She happily discovered a work colleague attended the same class, worked hard and enjoyed sessions there enough to commit to attending regularly with her buddy.

Feeling energized from going to the pool, Rose then decided to increase her walking. Living on a hill meant she worked hard going into the city and using the many walkways around her neighbourhood.

"Don't think too much about it, just go and do it," Rose says and challenges others to 'try something' rather than making excuses not to get moving.