Shirley Cranstoun
The death of a Father is something that stays with a person for life. When it is the result of a heart attack at a young age, the impact is often greater.
Shirley’s father had his first heart attack aged 55, dying from another one at age 68.
After a visit to her GP showed that she had a BMI ( Body Mass Index) of 49.5 ( average should be around 25) and high blood pressure, the journey she affectionately calls ‘ Shirley’s Responsible Lifestyle Choices’ began.
After hearing her step father describe in graphic detail what heart surgery was like, Shirley was scared into action. She realized that at 54
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Shirley had previously tried to lose weight but it continually fluctuated. One thing she did realize was that when she was active, her weight dropped and she felt really good about herself. It was here that she found one of the keys – Physical Activity.
When her GP offered her a Green Prescription she was ready, motivated, focused and stopped making excuses – she became realistic and accepted life’s circumstances.
Shirley felt accountable to her family and friends and with the referral to Green Prescription was ready to make the necessary changes. When Ann (Patient Support Person) phoned from Sport Southland, she was ready to listen and take the sound advice knowledge and encouragement and to accept that this was going to be a two way partnership.
A lengthy discussion arose about suitable activities, eating habits, weekly plans and small achievable goals were set in place. Shirley started a blog on facebook – where other ‘Shirley’s with similar issues could log on and give each other support.
Walking was painful on her joints and not practicable. Therefore her first achievement was to attend the Splash Palace Pool in Invercargill and the Winton Community Pool and embark on a programme of aqua jogging.
Initially Shirley was self conscious about her size 28 frame not meeting the ‘media image’. Finding swimwear to fit was also an issue. But with grit and a determination to succeed, she made the first visit to the pool. Shirley states that ‘Nobody judged her and the pool staff were so helpful it really did make her feel at ease and encouraged me to have a go”. Aqua jogging is a great way to start the day – with the freedom of movement and without the weight restriction on your joints. Shirley is keen to point out that it’s a warm safe environment, supervised and is easy to do on the inclement or winter days. It definitely helps you feel energized and it really can be a social time with friends, partners and colleagues.
Lawn mowing is easy now – what used to take her an hour with regular breaks – she can now do in 17 minutes flat. Walking is so much easier as well with weekend walks in and around the Southland province. She isn’t puffing as much and her energy levels are turning her life around.
Losing the first 25kg has been hard work and has taken some true perseverance and determination along with accepting the help through Green Prescription to ‘stick with it’. Ann has been very supportive and knowing that she will check up on Shirley has definitely helped her to stay focused.
Shirley is now very conscious and focused about what she eats – “I read the labels on packets, taking the healthier options, watching serving sizes and using baking paper or olive oil spray. I remove skin and fat from meat and have increased my intake of fruit, vegetables and water.”
This is all simple and practical and easy to do. Shirley stated that ‘be aware that when you are at restaurants – you are the customer and what you want, is what you should be served’.
Shirley has advice for those not happy with their health or lifestyle – “Stop making Excuses and change it”. Like the Nike logo – “Just do it”. Ask for a Green Prescription through your GP or ring your Regional Sports Trust – take advantage of this wonderful free Ministry of Health programme and you will have nothing to lose other than weight.
Ann congratulates Shirley on her wonderful achievement and will continue to support her through the next stage of her weight loss onwards to her goal of buying clothes of the racks.
Well done Shirley – you are an inspiration to all.
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