Nelson Bays Primary Health
 |
| Home About Us Documents & Reports General Practice Programmes & Services Download Forms Education Newsletters Vacancies Board MembersLogin |
 |
 |
| Nelson Bays Primary Health 20 New Street, Nelson PO Box 1776, Nelson 7040 Tel: 03 539 1170 Freephone: 0800 731 317 Fax: 03 539 4958 info@nelsonbayspho.org.nz |
 |
GRx Success Story - Susan Ellis
Half Marathon Stunner!
For Susan, the woman who herself said 'I was the one never picked for the school sports team!', completing 21kms of walking in a half marathon was simply something that was just not ever going to happen!
Six months ago Susan couldn't figure out why she was feeling constantly tired, her mood was down and she had little energy to spare. An attractive 54 year old with a family and full time job at a busy school, Susan's weight was up and she knew something had to change. Being told she now had diabetes by her GP Audrey Vickerman at the Wakefield Medical Centre was a shock, but Susan knew it now meant she just HAD to make some changes to her diet and find time for some regular physical activity. She did not want to risk having to inject insulin or other unpleasant complications caused by the disease so wanting to be in charge of her body, Susan learnt all she could about diabetes through books and attending an excellent Diabetes Education course run by Diabetes (Nelson) Inc. Here she took the opportunity to get extra support with help from Green Prescription.
Susan knew it would be a challenge to find time for some sort of exercise but said 'I'm just going to walk when I get home - tea can wait and others can help' and with that positive attitude she started by simply walking down her road for about 20 - 25 minutes. At first it was difficult to stay motivated, but within a short time she was walking every night and starting to enjoy it. With encouragement from Bee Williamson, her Green Prescription Patient Support person, Susan started to feel brighter, happier about controlling her diabetes and her weight started to gradually decrease as she adjusted her nutrition. Susan developed a regular walking routine, and one day when a friend said she was going to try the half-marathon and invited Susan to give it a go she thought, 'well, why not?' Two very supportive work colleagues offered to start training with her and accompany her on the half-marathon so Susan committed to her regular walks, added the occasional bike ride and as the time drew closer she knew they were really going to do it!
The event itself was a day Susan will never forget - but best of all by walking almost every day and eating well Susan has now lost a staggering 20kgs!! Her self-esteem has improved considerably, she feels more confident, looks great and now enjoys shopping for clothes - 'everything's changed' for the better, with support and encouragement from her friends, family and Green Prescription.
Susan's journey from diagnosis to the active woman with a sparkle in her eyes has been emotional at times, and she sometimes felt alone and not able to just chat with other people about diabetes, but all that has changed and now Susan wants to help others understand that some regular physical activity and good nutrition can help control diabetes. Having something to aim for was important for Susan and so she's setting her sights on the next walking event she can enjoy - go Susan!
Back to Green Prescription Stories
