Cycling for a healthy heart!

Carol Davis was diagnosed with Angina some time ago; previous to this she had been a relatively active person. On one visit to her doctor she raised concerns about her weight; a nurse from the practice overheard this and suggested a Green Prescription. A Green Prescription (GRx) is a prescription for exercise rather than medicine.

From this Carol progressed onto Move 4 Health which is one of Sport Waitakere’s support programmes to the GRx initiative. She has also joined the YMCA Cardiac Club. This is one of 5 Cardiac Clubs throughout Waitakere, which SW was responsible for setting up. The collaboration between the 5 clubs means they can share promotional expenses and ensure people with a heart condition can attend a programme in their local area.

Since joining the two programmes Carol has experienced increased self esteem and energy, better sleep patterns, weight loss and improved overall wellbeing.

Carol describes her journey as amazing, as there was a certain amount of disbelief when she was first diagnosed with Angina. Through the GRx initiative Carol has found a social medium and it has also linked her to organisations such as the National Heart Foundation.

Carol’s progress on the programme has led to Sport Waitakere approaching her to join our Community Leaders Programme (professional development programme to up skill community members to be able to confidently and competently deliver physical activity initiatives). Carol is now confident to lead classes such as water walking and is happy to share the positive effects of physical activity with others. She knows the participants in the group relate to her because she is ‘one of them’ and has been where they are, is a similar age, like the same songs etc. The other members of the group really enjoy her relaxed and encouraging style.

Carol says that “she wouldn’t be where is right now, if it hadn’t been for the support and encouragement of SW.”

This is a perfect example of sustainable physical activity programmes. Someone who has experienced the benefits of a programme is now sharing that experience and leading others to become more active.