Health and Wellness Update Jul23

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
UPDATE
INSPIRING HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES WINTER 2023
In this issue...
Time to unwind
Green Prescription
Active Families
pg 2
pg 4
pg 5
WELCOME
Tēnā Koutou Katoa,
As the saying goes; time flies when you’re having fun! I have been with Sport Auckland for
almost 10-years, and often reflect on and appreciate the many things I’ve learnt, how much I
enjoy the work we do and the people I get to do it with.
Moving into a new role with our Health and Wellness team, I’ve tasked myself with bringing
fresh thinking and new opportunities to our Active Families service. Without creating change
for change’s sake, but to best serve our community and meet the wants and needs of the
families I meet. I’ve enjoyed the journey thus far and am excited for you to read our newsletter,
to not only see what’s coming up for our tamariki and their families, but to see what’s on offer
from our Green Prescription team.
You’ll notice a common theme in this newsletter which looks at enhancing our mental wellness.
Our team often talk about “keeping our cup topped up” as it’s important that we take downtime,
continue to be kind to ourselves, stay connected with loved ones, laugh, and do the
things we enjoy!
I was very fortunate to attend a wellness day recently where I was reminded that due to the
fast-pace and pressures of life, and the amount of time we spend on devices nowadays, most
people spend more of their time in “Fight, Flight and Freeze” (the danger zone) compared
to what we are naturally wired to which is “Rest, Digest and Repair” (the safe zone). So I ask
myself, is stress the real problem or have we simply lost the art of relaxation? The Dalai Lama
put it best in saying “We are human beings, not human doings”.
Whatever way you choose to switch off and re-charge your batteries, I hope you make time to
get lots in over the winter months.
Brooke
Active Families / Te Whatu Ora Relationship Lead
If you aren’t currently involved with Green Prescription or Active Families and would like to join
– it’s easy! Simply click on the link below, share your contact details and we will be in touch
within the week. You may also recommend us to a friend or family member – what’s better
than the gift of wellness?
SPORT
A U C K L A N D
Active Families is offered to children aged 5-17 years and their families living in the Auckland
region – Join us here
Green Prescription – join our health and wellbeing programme in Auckland or Counties
Manukau (adults aged 18 years and above) – Join us here
SPORT AUCKLAND | Level 4, Gate B, Alexandra Park Function Centre, Greenlane West, Epsom • PO Box 26599, Epsom, Auckland 1344​
Ph 09 623 7900 • info@sportauckland.co.nz • www.sportauckland.co.nz

SPORT
A U C K L A N D
HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATE
INSPIRING HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
time to unwind
OPTIMAL WELLNESS THIS WINTER
Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or
threat.
While stress isn’t all bad, as small amounts can be a motivator, and
enhance performance and alertness, beyond a certain point it stops
being helpful and starts to cause damage. When stress is chronic or
feels like it’s getting out of control, this can have a negative impact on
your health, mood, productivity, immune response and quality of life.
Finding ways to unwind is key to thriving under pressure and reduce
suffering with colds and flu this winter.
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Fill your cup. Do the things you enjoy, spend time with loved ones, find ways to unwind and practise self-care. These
can be simple things like reading a book, taking a bath, walking in nature, and taking microbreaks throughout the day.
Find balance. Exercise regularly, take time to relax and sleep well. To assist relaxation, you may like to try meditation,
deep breathing, yoga or tai chi (some examples). It helps to put electronic devices away at least 30-minutes before you
go to bed and to be consistent with your sleep schedule.
Eat a varied, healthy diet. Reduce ultra-processed foods (often low in nutrients yet high in saturated fat, salt and
sugar). Include plenty of fruits and vegetables and a variety of plant-based foods.
the link between food
and mood
Over the last decade, a growing body of research has shown that
diet can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. While this
effect is not fully understood, one explanation for the link is the
relationship between our brain and gut microbiome (the trillions of
bacteria that live in our gut).
If you’ve ever had butterflies in your stomach, or grumbling in
your tummy when feeling nervous, stressed or anxious, you’ve
experienced how our brain and gut are connected. Including more
fibre (plant-based foods) and fermented foods can help.
These fermented foods have been shown to benefit health, digestion,
and immunity:
1. Kefir. A cultured dairy product, enjoy on its own or blend into
smoothies.
2. Probiotic yoghurt. Look for yoghurt which contain live cultures.
3. Sauerkraut. A condiment of fermented cabbage. Use in a variety of
ways; add to soups, salads, casseroles, and sandwiches.
4. Kimchi. A Korean side dish, made from fermented cabbage or other
fermented vegetables. Has a salty, savoury, sour and often spicey
taste.
5. Use in a variety of dishes from noodle bowls to salads, fried rice,
egg dishes and burgers.
6. Tempeh. Made from fermented soybeans, comes in a block form.
Great in sandwiches, stir-fries, and kebabs.
7. Kombucha. A fermented fizzy tea that’s sweet-and-sour.
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What are fermented foods?
Fermentation has been around for hundreds of years. ‘Fermented’
means a food or drink that has undergone a process when
microbes (bacteria and yeast) break down the sugars. This process
changes the taste, texture, shelf-life, and nutritional profile of
foods. Fermented foods are a potential source of probiotics — the
good bacteria living inside your gut.

WINTER 2023
message in a bottle
MANY GREEN PRESCRIPTION (GRX) PARTICIPANTS HAVE HAD
THE PLEASURE OF COMMUNICATING WITH LISA, WHO JOINED
OUR TEAM IN SEPTEMBER 2022. LIKE US, NO DOUBT YOU’LL
FEEL INSPIRED READING WHAT LISA SHARES…
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,
nutrition and mindset were my greatest medicines, and that asking for help wasn’t a weakness. So with that in mind I made some changes and now
prioritise those things and that brought me to Green Prescription. Then through my association with Parkinsons New Zealand and with the support
of the Outward Bound Trust, I was offered to attend a 7 day Outward Bound Course. I jumped at the opportunity and absolutely loved it. In trying to
capture the essence of my experience I wrote a poem called “Message in a Bottle”, identifying inner strength and that no one need do the hard stuff
alone. Arohanui, Lisa
Before I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease
I was a person who attacked most things with ease
If I'm honest when things got out of control
I would still try to fix everything all on my own
And if I still couldn't fix it, I'd often give in and quit
Instead of asking for help which wasn't an option I'll admit
After my label of Parkinson's was given to me
I thought it would limit the things I could be
While I was still me and kept a positive attitude
Deep down I WAS limiting the things I could do
Heaven forbid asking for help or being a bit needier
Thinking it would make me seem that much weaker
Well recently I've had my eyes opened wide
And learnt a few lessons that I accept with pride
These lessons were taught to me on Outward Bound
Where I had these epiphanies on Queen Charlotte Sound.
We sailed and solo'd and jumped from the rocks
We did the high ropes and took the hard knocks
We got a little battered and bruised on every side
But they're battle wounds that I will wear with pride
We marvelled at nature, fairy lights in the sea
And appreciated the dawn chorus from the trees
We were always challenged to work as a team
And learnt exactly what that really did mean.
In sunshine and laughter and lots of tears too
I learnt from my Shackleton Watch whanau and crew
Always stay positive and dig deep from below
Cause there's so much more in you, far more than you know
There's just a little bit more about the lessons I learnt
Like comparing is joyless and self respect is hard earned
No label or illness can change who you are
And if it does then let it be for the better by far!
So as I head home and back to my beautiful life
Where I'm a proud daughter, sister, mother, friend and wife
I go back knowing that I'm not afraid anymore
About the future or asking for help like before
I'm excited about life and am sailing directly for the sun
Where I'm planning on enjoying adventure and fun
And if you find a message in a bottle from me
This is how I expect it will read...
"If you're ever lost at sea and searching for land,
Close your eyes, take a breath and reach out your hand
Spending time in nature has a
range of mental and physical health
benefits. Best of all, it’s free and
available all year round. Evidence
shows that contact with nature
reduces stress, while encouraging
healthy behaviours such as
socialising and being active. With
potential side effects such as being
in a good mood and feeling more
relaxed, we encourage seeking out
a green space to enjoy today!
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SPORT
A U C K L A N D
HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATE
INSPIRING HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
green prescription
GREEN AND GRINNING
We’ve had lots to smile about in our Health and Wellness space since our
last Newsletter.
Sport Auckland’s vision “to inspire our communities to live healthy active
lives” has been represented throughout our community programmes.
We’d like to share some of our current opportunities and let our pictures
do the talking!
Wellbeing programme
Our wellbeing programmes are up, running and thriving. We’ve
established four hubs throughout Tāmaki Makaurau where our
community voices and engagement have enabled us to develop and
deliver interactive educational sessions.
“These sessions have made a massive difference to my mental
health, helped me get out of the house and meet people with
similar goals. I needed this.”
Group exercise opportunities
This year has seen our community exercise opportunities go from
strength to strength with the rollout of our SitFit, ComFit and GreenFit
programmes. These progressive programmes allow members to
gain exposure to different ways of being active over their 8-12 week
jumpstart.
Walking groups
Our monthly walking groups focus on connecting socially and with our
local green spaces. Here we have been able to explore different parks
around Tāmaki Makaurau, meet people and get moving. These have
been so popular we are hoping to increase the regularity in the future.
JOIN
NOW!
STAYING WARM IN WINTER
We’re happy to have you back with us for another Health and Wellness
update!
With our ever-changing weather in Tāmaki Makaurau, we want to make
sure you have ample opportunities to get moving and stay warm with
Green Prescription this winter.
GROUP EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES
We have multiple exercise opportunities available for all Green
Prescription members. No matter your fitness level, we’d love to have
you join us and get moving!
Our new GreenFit exercise classes are gym based and are perfect for
building confidence in the gym!
WELLBEING PROGRAMME
Our Green Prescription Programmes are a fun, social and informative
way to learn about Health and prioritise our Wellbeing.
You can find us at one of your Community Hubs; our next programmes
begin Monday 3rd July!
• Manurewa
• Mt Albert
• Mt Roskill
• Glen Innes
Sessions are also available via live webinars, morning and evening.
Further details and Zoom links here.
WHAT’S COMING UP?
NEW Wellbeing Programmes:
• Week 1 beginning 3rd July
Walking groups:
• 21st July - Auckland Domain
• 25th August - Coyle Park
• 29th September - Maungawhau/Mt Eden
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WINTER 2023
ACTIVE FAMILIES
We extend aroha and thanks to the families who joined our
Healthy Active Families programme throughout terms 1 and 2.
We’ve had fun learning new skills and creating healthy habits
together; thank you to our St Pius group for creating such a
friendly, enjoyable, and supportive space.
We are grateful for the support from St Pius X Catholic School,
Marist Rugby, Circability, SonSk8 and the GI Eagles for providing
opportunity for our tamariki and their whānau. A massive thanks
to you all. ❤
“Thank you for all your hard work you have put into this. My kids
absolutely love hanging out here every Wednesday. We have
enjoyed every single minute being here. Thank you once again.”
Active Families work alongside families to create healthy
lifestyle changes. A homework challenge was to take a
break from screens & design a super-hero character.
We love “The Super Amazing boy” – Artist: Pio, 9-years
WHAT’S COMING UP?
• Friday 7th July: Our first Active Families Rangitoto
Summit walk! Fully booked, weather dependant.
• Wednesday 12th July: Active Families Holiday Workshop,
9.30am - 12.30pm, Mt Albert
Circability activity
Hands-on healthy eating
Prizes and giveaways
For more information or to register, please contact Brooke.
m: 021 262 1552 | e: brookem@sportauckland.co.nz
WE LOVE RECEIVING
YOUR FEEDBACK!
To continue to enhance our
programmes and know how we’re
doing to support people to lead
healthy active lifestyles, we love receiving
feedback from participants.
WIN!
Everyone who completes our online surveys go
into a draw. Our June winner is Neil B. (Mt Albert
GRx). Congratulations on receiving a $50 Rebel
Sport voucher and thank you again to everyone
for your feedback.
SPORT
A U C K L A N D
SPORT AUCKLAND | Level 4, Gate B, Alexandra Park Function Centre, Greenlane West, Epsom • PO Box 26599, Epsom, Auckland 1344​
Ph 09 623 7900 • info@sportauckland.co.nz • www.sportauckland.co.nz