Health and Wellness Update Jul23
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS<br />
UPDATE<br />
INSPIRING HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES WINTER 2023<br />
In this issue...<br />
Time to unwind<br />
Green Prescription<br />
Active Families<br />
pg 2<br />
pg 4<br />
pg 5<br />
WELCOME<br />
Tēnā Koutou Katoa,<br />
As the saying goes; time flies when you’re having fun! I have been with Sport Auckl<strong>and</strong> for<br />
almost 10-years, <strong>and</strong> often reflect on <strong>and</strong> appreciate the many things I’ve learnt, how much I<br />
enjoy the work we do <strong>and</strong> the people I get to do it with.<br />
Moving into a new role with our <strong>Health</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Wellness</strong> team, I’ve tasked myself with bringing<br />
fresh thinking <strong>and</strong> new opportunities to our Active Families service. Without creating change<br />
for change’s sake, but to best serve our community <strong>and</strong> meet the wants <strong>and</strong> needs of the<br />
families I meet. I’ve enjoyed the journey thus far <strong>and</strong> am excited for you to read our newsletter,<br />
to not only see what’s coming up for our tamariki <strong>and</strong> their families, but to see what’s on offer<br />
from our Green Prescription team.<br />
You’ll notice a common theme in this newsletter which looks at enhancing our mental wellness.<br />
Our team often talk about “keeping our cup topped up” as it’s important that we take downtime,<br />
continue to be kind to ourselves, stay connected with loved ones, laugh, <strong>and</strong> do the<br />
things we enjoy!<br />
I was very fortunate to attend a wellness day recently where I was reminded that due to the<br />
fast-pace <strong>and</strong> pressures of life, <strong>and</strong> the amount of time we spend on devices nowadays, most<br />
people spend more of their time in “Fight, Flight <strong>and</strong> Freeze” (the danger zone) compared<br />
to what we are naturally wired to which is “Rest, Digest <strong>and</strong> Repair” (the safe zone). So I ask<br />
myself, is stress the real problem or have we simply lost the art of relaxation? The Dalai Lama<br />
put it best in saying “We are human beings, not human doings”.<br />
Whatever way you choose to switch off <strong>and</strong> re-charge your batteries, I hope you make time to<br />
get lots in over the winter months.<br />
Brooke<br />
Active Families / Te Whatu Ora Relationship Lead<br />
If you aren’t currently involved with Green Prescription or Active Families <strong>and</strong> would like to join<br />
– it’s easy! Simply click on the link below, share your contact details <strong>and</strong> we will be in touch<br />
within the week. You may also recommend us to a friend or family member – what’s better<br />
than the gift of wellness?<br />
SPORT<br />
A U C K L A N D<br />
Active Families is offered to children aged 5-17 years <strong>and</strong> their families living in the Auckl<strong>and</strong><br />
region – Join us here<br />
Green Prescription – join our health <strong>and</strong> wellbeing programme in Auckl<strong>and</strong> or Counties<br />
Manukau (adults aged 18 years <strong>and</strong> above) – Join us here<br />
SPORT AUCKLAND | Level 4, Gate B, Alex<strong>and</strong>ra Park Function Centre, Greenlane West, Epsom • PO Box 26599, Epsom, Auckl<strong>and</strong> 1344<br />
Ph 09 623 7900 • info@sportauckl<strong>and</strong>.co.nz • www.sportauckl<strong>and</strong>.co.nz
SPORT<br />
A U C K L A N D<br />
HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATE<br />
INSPIRING HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES<br />
time to unwind<br />
OPTIMAL WELLNESS THIS WINTER<br />
Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of dem<strong>and</strong> or<br />
threat.<br />
While stress isn’t all bad, as small amounts can be a motivator, <strong>and</strong><br />
enhance performance <strong>and</strong> alertness, beyond a certain point it stops<br />
being helpful <strong>and</strong> starts to cause damage. When stress is chronic or<br />
feels like it’s getting out of control, this can have a negative impact on<br />
your health, mood, productivity, immune response <strong>and</strong> quality of life.<br />
Finding ways to unwind is key to thriving under pressure <strong>and</strong> reduce<br />
suffering with colds <strong>and</strong> flu this winter.<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
Fill your cup. Do the things you enjoy, spend time with loved ones, find ways to unwind <strong>and</strong> practise self-care. These<br />
can be simple things like reading a book, taking a bath, walking in nature, <strong>and</strong> taking microbreaks throughout the day.<br />
Find balance. Exercise regularly, take time to relax <strong>and</strong> sleep well. To assist relaxation, you may like to try meditation,<br />
deep breathing, yoga or tai chi (some examples). It helps to put electronic devices away at least 30-minutes before you<br />
go to bed <strong>and</strong> to be consistent with your sleep schedule.<br />
Eat a varied, healthy diet. Reduce ultra-processed foods (often low in nutrients yet high in saturated fat, salt <strong>and</strong><br />
sugar). Include plenty of fruits <strong>and</strong> vegetables <strong>and</strong> a variety of plant-based foods.<br />
the link between food<br />
<strong>and</strong> mood<br />
Over the last decade, a growing body of research has shown that<br />
diet can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. While this<br />
effect is not fully understood, one explanation for the link is the<br />
relationship between our brain <strong>and</strong> gut microbiome (the trillions of<br />
bacteria that live in our gut).<br />
If you’ve ever had butterflies in your stomach, or grumbling in<br />
your tummy when feeling nervous, stressed or anxious, you’ve<br />
experienced how our brain <strong>and</strong> gut are connected. Including more<br />
fibre (plant-based foods) <strong>and</strong> fermented foods can help.<br />
These fermented foods have been shown to benefit health, digestion,<br />
<strong>and</strong> immunity:<br />
1. Kefir. A cultured dairy product, enjoy on its own or blend into<br />
smoothies.<br />
2. Probiotic yoghurt. Look for yoghurt which contain live cultures.<br />
3. Sauerkraut. A condiment of fermented cabbage. Use in a variety of<br />
ways; add to soups, salads, casseroles, <strong>and</strong> s<strong>and</strong>wiches.<br />
4. Kimchi. A Korean side dish, made from fermented cabbage or other<br />
fermented vegetables. Has a salty, savoury, sour <strong>and</strong> often spicey<br />
taste.<br />
5. Use in a variety of dishes from noodle bowls to salads, fried rice,<br />
egg dishes <strong>and</strong> burgers.<br />
6. Tempeh. Made from fermented soybeans, comes in a block form.<br />
Great in s<strong>and</strong>wiches, stir-fries, <strong>and</strong> kebabs.<br />
7. Kombucha. A fermented fizzy tea that’s sweet-<strong>and</strong>-sour.<br />
2<br />
What are fermented foods?<br />
Fermentation has been around for hundreds of years. ‘Fermented’<br />
means a food or drink that has undergone a process when<br />
microbes (bacteria <strong>and</strong> yeast) break down the sugars. This process<br />
changes the taste, texture, shelf-life, <strong>and</strong> nutritional profile of<br />
foods. Fermented foods are a potential source of probiotics — the<br />
good bacteria living inside your gut.
WINTER 2023<br />
message in a bottle<br />
MANY GREEN PRESCRIPTION (GRX) PARTICIPANTS HAVE HAD<br />
THE PLEASURE OF COMMUNICATING WITH LISA, WHO JOINED<br />
OUR TEAM IN SEPTEMBER 2022. LIKE US, NO DOUBT YOU’LL<br />
FEEL INSPIRED READING WHAT LISA SHARES…<br />
In September 2020, at the age of 44, I was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Since then, I’ve heard from all the Doctors that exercise,<br />
nutrition <strong>and</strong> mindset were my greatest medicines, <strong>and</strong> that asking for help wasn’t a weakness. So with that in mind I made some changes <strong>and</strong> now<br />
prioritise those things <strong>and</strong> that brought me to Green Prescription. Then through my association with Parkinsons New Zeal<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> with the support<br />
of the Outward Bound Trust, I was offered to attend a 7 day Outward Bound Course. I jumped at the opportunity <strong>and</strong> absolutely loved it. In trying to<br />
capture the essence of my experience I wrote a poem called “Message in a Bottle”, identifying inner strength <strong>and</strong> that no one need do the hard stuff<br />
alone. Arohanui, Lisa<br />
Before I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease<br />
I was a person who attacked most things with ease<br />
If I'm honest when things got out of control<br />
I would still try to fix everything all on my own<br />
And if I still couldn't fix it, I'd often give in <strong>and</strong> quit<br />
Instead of asking for help which wasn't an option I'll admit<br />
After my label of Parkinson's was given to me<br />
I thought it would limit the things I could be<br />
While I was still me <strong>and</strong> kept a positive attitude<br />
Deep down I WAS limiting the things I could do<br />
Heaven forbid asking for help or being a bit needier<br />
Thinking it would make me seem that much weaker<br />
Well recently I've had my eyes opened wide<br />
And learnt a few lessons that I accept with pride<br />
These lessons were taught to me on Outward Bound<br />
Where I had these epiphanies on Queen Charlotte Sound.<br />
We sailed <strong>and</strong> solo'd <strong>and</strong> jumped from the rocks<br />
We did the high ropes <strong>and</strong> took the hard knocks<br />
We got a little battered <strong>and</strong> bruised on every side<br />
But they're battle wounds that I will wear with pride<br />
We marvelled at nature, fairy lights in the sea<br />
And appreciated the dawn chorus from the trees<br />
We were always challenged to work as a team<br />
And learnt exactly what that really did mean.<br />
In sunshine <strong>and</strong> laughter <strong>and</strong> lots of tears too<br />
I learnt from my Shackleton Watch whanau <strong>and</strong> crew<br />
Always stay positive <strong>and</strong> dig deep from below<br />
Cause there's so much more in you, far more than you know<br />
There's just a little bit more about the lessons I learnt<br />
Like comparing is joyless <strong>and</strong> self respect is hard earned<br />
No label or illness can change who you are<br />
And if it does then let it be for the better by far!<br />
So as I head home <strong>and</strong> back to my beautiful life<br />
Where I'm a proud daughter, sister, mother, friend <strong>and</strong> wife<br />
I go back knowing that I'm not afraid anymore<br />
About the future or asking for help like before<br />
I'm excited about life <strong>and</strong> am sailing directly for the sun<br />
Where I'm planning on enjoying adventure <strong>and</strong> fun<br />
And if you find a message in a bottle from me<br />
This is how I expect it will read...<br />
"If you're ever lost at sea <strong>and</strong> searching for l<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Close your eyes, take a breath <strong>and</strong> reach out your h<strong>and</strong><br />
Spending time in nature has a<br />
range of mental <strong>and</strong> physical health<br />
benefits. Best of all, it’s free <strong>and</strong><br />
available all year round. Evidence<br />
shows that contact with nature<br />
reduces stress, while encouraging<br />
healthy behaviours such as<br />
socialising <strong>and</strong> being active. With<br />
potential side effects such as being<br />
in a good mood <strong>and</strong> feeling more<br />
relaxed, we encourage seeking out<br />
a green space to enjoy today!<br />
3
SPORT<br />
A U C K L A N D<br />
HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATE<br />
INSPIRING HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES<br />
green prescription<br />
GREEN AND GRINNING<br />
We’ve had lots to smile about in our <strong>Health</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Wellness</strong> space since our<br />
last Newsletter.<br />
Sport Auckl<strong>and</strong>’s vision “to inspire our communities to live healthy active<br />
lives” has been represented throughout our community programmes.<br />
We’d like to share some of our current opportunities <strong>and</strong> let our pictures<br />
do the talking!<br />
Wellbeing programme<br />
Our wellbeing programmes are up, running <strong>and</strong> thriving. We’ve<br />
established four hubs throughout Tāmaki Makaurau where our<br />
community voices <strong>and</strong> engagement have enabled us to develop <strong>and</strong><br />
deliver interactive educational sessions.<br />
“These sessions have made a massive difference to my mental<br />
health, helped me get out of the house <strong>and</strong> meet people with<br />
similar goals. I needed this.”<br />
Group exercise opportunities<br />
This year has seen our community exercise opportunities go from<br />
strength to strength with the rollout of our SitFit, ComFit <strong>and</strong> GreenFit<br />
programmes. These progressive programmes allow members to<br />
gain exposure to different ways of being active over their 8-12 week<br />
jumpstart.<br />
Walking groups<br />
Our monthly walking groups focus on connecting socially <strong>and</strong> with our<br />
local green spaces. Here we have been able to explore different parks<br />
around Tāmaki Makaurau, meet people <strong>and</strong> get moving. These have<br />
been so popular we are hoping to increase the regularity in the future.<br />
JOIN<br />
NOW!<br />
STAYING WARM IN WINTER<br />
We’re happy to have you back with us for another <strong>Health</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Wellness</strong><br />
update!<br />
With our ever-changing weather in Tāmaki Makaurau, we want to make<br />
sure you have ample opportunities to get moving <strong>and</strong> stay warm with<br />
Green Prescription this winter.<br />
GROUP EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES<br />
We have multiple exercise opportunities available for all Green<br />
Prescription members. No matter your fitness level, we’d love to have<br />
you join us <strong>and</strong> get moving!<br />
Our new GreenFit exercise classes are gym based <strong>and</strong> are perfect for<br />
building confidence in the gym!<br />
WELLBEING PROGRAMME<br />
Our Green Prescription Programmes are a fun, social <strong>and</strong> informative<br />
way to learn about <strong>Health</strong> <strong>and</strong> prioritise our Wellbeing.<br />
You can find us at one of your Community Hubs; our next programmes<br />
begin Monday 3rd July!<br />
• Manurewa<br />
• Mt Albert<br />
• Mt Roskill<br />
• Glen Innes<br />
Sessions are also available via live webinars, morning <strong>and</strong> evening.<br />
Further details <strong>and</strong> Zoom links here.<br />
WHAT’S COMING UP?<br />
NEW Wellbeing Programmes:<br />
• Week 1 beginning 3rd July<br />
Walking groups:<br />
• 21st July - Auckl<strong>and</strong> Domain<br />
• 25th August - Coyle Park<br />
• 29th September - Maungawhau/Mt Eden<br />
4
WINTER 2023<br />
ACTIVE FAMILIES<br />
We extend aroha <strong>and</strong> thanks to the families who joined our<br />
<strong>Health</strong>y Active Families programme throughout terms 1 <strong>and</strong> 2.<br />
We’ve had fun learning new skills <strong>and</strong> creating healthy habits<br />
together; thank you to our St Pius group for creating such a<br />
friendly, enjoyable, <strong>and</strong> supportive space.<br />
We are grateful for the support from St Pius X Catholic School,<br />
Marist Rugby, Circability, SonSk8 <strong>and</strong> the GI Eagles for providing<br />
opportunity for our tamariki <strong>and</strong> their whānau. A massive thanks<br />
to you all. ❤<br />
“Thank you for all your hard work you have put into this. My kids<br />
absolutely love hanging out here every Wednesday. We have<br />
enjoyed every single minute being here. Thank you once again.”<br />
Active Families work alongside families to create healthy<br />
lifestyle changes. A homework challenge was to take a<br />
break from screens & design a super-hero character.<br />
We love “The Super Amazing boy” – Artist: Pio, 9-years<br />
WHAT’S COMING UP?<br />
• Friday 7th July: Our first Active Families Rangitoto<br />
Summit walk! Fully booked, weather dependant.<br />
• Wednesday 12th July: Active Families Holiday Workshop,<br />
9.30am - 12.30pm, Mt Albert<br />
Circability activity<br />
H<strong>and</strong>s-on healthy eating<br />
Prizes <strong>and</strong> giveaways<br />
For more information or to register, please contact Brooke.<br />
m: 021 262 1552 | e: brookem@sportauckl<strong>and</strong>.co.nz<br />
WE LOVE RECEIVING<br />
YOUR FEEDBACK!<br />
To continue to enhance our<br />
programmes <strong>and</strong> know how we’re<br />
doing to support people to lead<br />
healthy active lifestyles, we love receiving<br />
feedback from participants.<br />
WIN!<br />
Everyone who completes our online surveys go<br />
into a draw. Our June winner is Neil B. (Mt Albert<br />
GRx). Congratulations on receiving a $50 Rebel<br />
Sport voucher <strong>and</strong> thank you again to everyone<br />
for your feedback.<br />
SPORT<br />
A U C K L A N D<br />
SPORT AUCKLAND | Level 4, Gate B, Alex<strong>and</strong>ra Park Function Centre, Greenlane West, Epsom • PO Box 26599, Epsom, Auckl<strong>and</strong> 1344<br />
Ph 09 623 7900 • info@sportauckl<strong>and</strong>.co.nz • www.sportauckl<strong>and</strong>.co.nz