June Moyles
Suffering in pain and forced to give up the recreational activities she loved, June Moyles made a life-changing decision 10 months ago – she embarked on a Green Prescription.
A working life spent walking all day on a concrete floor delivering medical records, carrying kerosene tins of spuds for her ‘potato farmer father’ and general farming duties such as hand milking cows had taken its toll.
June’s eagerly anticipated retirement was thrown into a spin when, in 2005, she couldn’t walk without limping. Medical intervention, steroids and other medication seemed like her only avenue of help.
By early 2009 her health had deteriorated further – her knees were giving her severe pain and her “balance was in the balance”. June ceased white-baiting, walking and her beloved bowls. She felt her active lifestyle was over.
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Her confidence had been undermined and she was worried about becoming a ‘burden’ to her family, which included her elderly mother who still relied on her for support and transport.
“I hated feeling like an old person,” June said.
Her physiotherapist recommended a Green Prescription, which was sent to Sport Southland.
Sport Southland patient support person Ann Robbie made contact and, after discussions, suggested the ACC-funded Movement for Health Modified Tai Chi programme could help. June was hesitant and a little sceptical but felt “nothing ventured, nothing gained” and started the classes in September 2009.
By the end of the year, June was walking distances again, pain was minimal and her mental wellness was gaining confidence. She realised the exercises and Tai Chi had improved her stiffness to the point she is now able to sit for a period of time and not rise with pain or difficulty.
An avid Sting now Steel netball fan, June used to love the bus trips, but the pain of being seated for such a long time had put paid to this. Now she can travel for the three hours, enjoy the day out and, more importantly, climb the stairs to her seat.
“It’s great having my independence back,” June said.
Rapt with the help she received, June is now looking forward to attending graduate Tai Chi classes.
“It’s simple - if you want to remain independent then you have to exercise, otherwise you get lazy and problems will confront you from all angles,” she said.
“Green Prescription is the way to go. Ann had the knowledge and answers, but more importantly she encouraged me to start – gently and positively – and I owe my new lifestyle to her and the Movement for Health classes.”
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