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A Green Prescription (GRx) is a health professional's written advice to a patient to be physically active, as part of the patient's health management.
It's a smart and cost-effective way to help people stay healthy. GRx research backs this up. Research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal indicates that a Green Prescription is an inexpensive way of increasing activity.
Research published in the British Medical Journal found that a Green Prescription can improve a patient's quality of life over 12 months, with no evidence of adverse effects.
Who's involved
Green Prescriptions are available nationwide, thanks to a partnership with general practitioner groups, and funding from SPARC and the Ministry of Health.
The programme encourages general practitioners and the community to work together.
Key players are:
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general practitioners
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practice nurses
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patients
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physical activity providers
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regional sports trusts (such as Sport Northland and Counties-Manukau Sport, who co-ordinate SPARC's activity programmes)
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primary health organisations
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district health boards
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Maori health providers
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community groups
How to take part
If you're a patient, ask your doctor or practice nurse whether a Green Prescription is right for you.
Alternatively, you can call 0800 ACTIVE (0800 228 483) for more information.
The modified Tai Chi programme
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