“I have had no leg pain in weeks,” says Janice Isaachsen who recently completed Green Prescription, a support programme to help develop a more healthy and active lifestyle. When she first met Geno Milnes, her Healthy Lifestyle Advisor, they discussed her health concerns such as atrial fibrillation and made a plan to improve her fitness and health.  Little was known what impact could be made in three months.

Janice’s fitness, strength and flexibility have improved “I feel more focused and less stressed now”. 

Janice regularly attends Whangarei Aquatic Centre, initially starting with the hydrotherapy classes and now the gym as well.

 “I actually enjoy going to the classes” Janice explains. This is important because as it’s something she enjoys, it was easy for her to create a regular routine. The environment at the Aquatic Centre is perfect for her, with a great sense of community. Continuing support from staff and encouragement from fellow pool users are also instrumental to her success. Her family is very supportive, giving her time to attend the pools and encouraging her to continue regular attendance.

Seeing others exercising in the pools, overcoming their physical limitations, motivated Janice further to keep going. With them saying “see you next week”, she couldn’t let them down.

She doesn’t know how much weight she has lost, as the number on the scale isn’t important to her. Smaller clothes, improved body image and the positive comments she gets from her husband and friends confirm her success.

With the increased exercise, Janice has become more aware of her eating habits. Food went from just for energy, to a focus on being nutritious as well.  Significant changes started with building a new routine of healthy eating. In the morning Janice takes time to prepare the day’s food - smoothies, salads and healthy snacks to set her up for the day. Preparation makes it much easier, as Janice says “it took the thought out of it”.

“The biggest barrier was myself” Janice acknowledges. However this was more just changing her mind-set. Janice had to take time out for herself, look at lifestyle versus short term results and be disciplined. These were quite difficult for her at first.   Now however, she has plans in place to continue these great habits she has formed.

The first goal for Janice was to look good for her daughter’s wedding. She feels she has achieved this and then some. Now she has a two year plan, dedicated to keeping the changes she has made for the long term. An example of this is the membership at the Aquatic Centre, a commitment which Janice feels will continue to motivate her.

Janice recommends the pools to anyone thinking about getting more active, “give it a go!” and she also adds, “the responsibility is with you.”