The most effective thing post a heart event, is exercise and cardiac nurses Rosemary Lockie and Charmain Weston who operate the Cardiac Rehab programme (an exercise and education programme) are super passionate about supporting their patients to get active.  

Rosemary shares “we see a lot of people who’ve never been to a gym before, but they love it when they go.”

Walking into the studio where Rosemary and Charmain have a room full of energetic participants is an inspiring sight. According to Charmain “the most effective thing post heart event is exercise”.  To see so many people coming together and truly enjoying being active is awesome.

The Cardiac Rehab exercise programme runs for eight weeks and many participants prefer to continue much longer and get a little apprehensive about leaving. So Rosemary and Charmain both find having Green Prescription (GRx) to refer on to at this point hugely beneficial.

“Often patients are anxious to continue their new activity routine on their own and need that extra support. It’s all about breaking down barriers for people, and for them, having GRx to refer to, means patients can transition into a gym environment feeling safe and supported” says Charmain. She goes on to say that GRx can offer alternatives to patients, whether it’s helping people connect with activities already offered in their own communities or building on what they’ve enjoyed in the Cardiac rehab programme.

If you or anyone you know would benefit from a Green Prescription and would like to know more, please contact the Healthy Lifestyle Team at Sport Northland on 0800 ACTIVE (0800