Surgery takes first steps to help patients get active | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua
Surgery takes first steps to help patients get active
Walkers set off from Owhata Medical Centre.PICTURE: KELVIN TEIXEIRA (221104kt2)
By ALISON BROWN in Rotorua
Staff at a Rotorua medical centre are putting their best feet forward in an effort to get more patients exercising.
Owhata Surgery on Te Ngae Rd is organising walking groups for staff and the community to ensure they keep fit and active. The healthy initiative was launched last weekend with support from Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick and Sport Bay of Plenty's chief executive Dame Susan Devoy.
The pair, who are both advocates of physical activity, led about 65 people on a 2km and a 5km walk around the eastern suburbs before handing out spot prizes, generously donated by local businesses.
Everyone who participated in the walks had been asked to fill out a survey, detailing when they would like to walk during the week.
About three walks will be held each week at various times to cater for people of all ages and abilities. While some will be held at lunchtime, others will leave from the surgery after work and on Saturday mornings.
The walks will be led by surgery staff initially but it is hoped patients and members of the community will eventually lead them.
Practice manager Maria Gardner said the walking groups were a great way for staff and patients to get active.
"It's quite difficult for some patients to get into town for different events and walking is something that can be a lot of fun," she said.
"We wanted to do something that would help teach children about the benefits of regular exercise and this is a social event the whole family and whanau can do together."
Anyone wanting more information about the walking groups should contact the surgery on 345 9699.
Staff at a Rotorua medical centre are putting their best feet forward in an effort to get more patients exercising.
Owhata Surgery on Te Ngae Rd is organising walking groups for staff and the community to ensure they keep fit and active. The healthy initiative was launched last weekend with support from Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick and Sport Bay of Plenty's chief executive Dame Susan Devoy.
The pair, who are both advocates of physical activity, led about 65 people on a 2km and a 5km walk around the eastern suburbs before handing out spot prizes, generously donated by local businesses.
Everyone who participated in the walks had been asked to fill out a survey, detailing when they would like to walk during the week.
About three walks will be held each week at various times to cater for people of all ages and abilities. While some will be held at lunchtime, others will leave from the surgery after work and on Saturday mornings.
The walks will be led by surgery staff initially but it is hoped patients and members of the community will eventually lead them.
Practice manager Maria Gardner said the walking groups were a great way for staff and patients to get active.
"It's quite difficult for some patients to get into town for different events and walking is something that can be a lot of fun," she said.
"We wanted to do something that would help teach children about the benefits of regular exercise and this is a social event the whole family and whanau can do together."
Anyone wanting more information about the walking groups should contact the surgery on 345 9699.
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