Frank
From the morgue to the Special Olympics!
When Frank was told that the morgue was the only place with scales big enough to weigh him, he resolved to make a lifestyle change and begin regular physical activity and healthy eating. Frank was 209 kg with a waist measurement of 200 cm.
Frank's ambition to join the Special Olympics New Zealand squad for the World Games in 2008 prompted him to visit his GP, who for years had been trying to encourage Frank to lose weight.
They investigated a combined approach to weight loss - medication, physical activity and healthy eating.
Frank's GP gave him a Green Prescription.
In the past, Frank had little energy or motivation and would spend his evenings watching TV. He avoided housework such as vacuuming and couldn't mow his lawns. Frank loves ten pin bowling, playing weekly, but breathing was hard and he had to kneel to reach the floor.
Suzanne Le Huray, Green Prescription Area Manager (Christchurch), called Frank and recommended trying 'Aqua-able' (water fitness for disabilities and rehabilitation). Water gives support and reduces impact of movement to stressed joints, yet provides resistance to work against. This led to Frank training fortnightly with a Special Olympics group. Now he competes in breaststroke and has learnt freestyle.
Feeling and looking better, Frank talked to Suzanne about increasing his activity and starting a walking programme. Bob Anderson, an enthusiastic volunteer who has helped to get many new walkers started, agreed to help. Their first walk was a two-block round trip, and took 1/2 an hour.
Walking twice a week, Bob gradually extended the route and after 5 months, their hour-long walk is 6 km around Hagley Park.
Frank's progress has even encouraged a colleague to join him once a week - Frank loves being a role model. Franks long-term fitness goal is to walk the 'City to Surf' in Christchurch next year.
Frank recently achieved two 3rds and a 5th at the recent Special Olympic Regional Ten Pin Bowling competitions. His health is improving as his weight reduces and he finds breathing easier, so he uses his inhaler less. He can even manage more things at home, from tying his shoes to mowing the lawn.
Frank's advice for others? 'You've got to want to do it yourself.' Frank has lost 50 kg (50 cm around his waistline), and is still going strong!
Updated | 06 Jul 2006.
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