In his mid forties, a sufferer of osteoarthritis and recovering from a recent hip replacement, Denis Drummond realised that thi
ngs were not improving as fast as what he wished. Prior to his surgery, Denis worked as a truck driver, which meant a long, sedentary, and often demanding schedule. Often on call, Denis did not have a routine of physical activity, as the barriers seemed overwhelming.
Recent hip surgery meant that Denis was forced into the realisation that his health needed to take top priority. Denis began rapidly losing muscle condition and strength along with his confidence in returning to work. A friend of his introduced him to the concept of a Green Prescription and told him that would really help him to make some changes. In hindsight Denis said, that was some of the best information he could be given. Not only did the Green Prescription programme open the door to physical opportunities, but paved the way to Denis regaining a lot of muscle and strength back.
A regular prescriber of Green Prescription, Denis’ GP, Dr Roger Baillie of Baillie and Corkill, Invercargill, sent the referral away to Sport Southland’s Patient Support Person, Ann Robbie. Denis is adamant that without the assistance and ideas of his support person, he would not have known of the options available to him to recondition and rehabilitate. Denis admits it was hard work and it took courage to start initially with small amounts of physical activities. However, Denis loved the one on one help from a local gym, which he signed up to. Denis also implemented a lot of incremental changes 
to his day to day lifestyle.
Months on from his hip replacement, Denis has gone from strength to strength. He has been able to return to mowing his lawns and gardening. Denis is now also able to ride his four-wheeler bike and gets out most days of the week to walk the dog.
After 6 weeks on a Green Prescription, Denis has been told that he can return to work - albeit a new one, next month. He is now aware that it is vital to maintain your health for the sake of your well-being. Denis has found time to cook and has cut out the fast foods and takeaways and only uses these as a treat. Pasta, tuna and vegetables are now regulars in his diet. Denis’ friends and family have also noticed his new outlook on life which includes an overall sense of positivity and enthusiasm.
Denis is grateful to his GP, Sport Southland and its Green Prescription programme for the support and encouragement and the recommendations they have made. He recommends anyone with a medical condition or sedentary lifestyle to try a Green Prescription. It worked for Denis, perhaps it could work for you.
