Mate
Mate Pokoati - small changes make a big difference
Mate works at a Kohanga Reo in Porirua and looks after two of her grandchildren on a regular basis.
Mate was given a Green Prescription in July 2003, because of particular health problems including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and being at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. She was also constantly feeling tired, lacked energy and felt dull.
Because of these health concerns and after watching her husband suffer from a stroke, Mate knew that she had to start making some lifestyle changes.
Once on the Green Prescription programme, Mate began incorporating health changes into her lifestyle. Physical changes involved walking to work during the week and taking her grandchildren out on walks during the weekends.
Nutritional changes included cutting down from drinking 10 cups of coffee per day to 4 cups a day, and ensuring that she eats breakfast and lunch - including plenty of fruit to keep her energy levels up.
Within a few months of making these changes, Mate felt more energised and confident that she could cope with the stresses in her life. At her last check-up with the doctor, her blood pressure and cholesterol levels were reported to be very good!
Mate has enjoyed receiving encouragement and support from the Green Prescription process and is determined to keep up with her positive lifestyle changes.
Her goals are to continue increasing her fitness, lose weight and be able to do more active things with her grandchildren - and most importantly, to see them grow up.
Mate encourages others to get out into the fresh air and engage in some form of physical activity that you enjoy. She also comments that changes do take time and that you need to have patience.
Well done, Mate, you have made fantastic progress and your story will inspire others to make positive changes to their lifestyles!
Updated | 06 Jul 2006.
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