Testimonials
June Clowes
Do I Have a Story to Tell – JOURNEY from CATS Group to Full Member. My name is June Clowes and do I have a story to tell! In late 2013 I had a fall and could not get myself up. At first I thought it was the rheumatoid arthritis and tried to stand up to get the pain medication, but my legs felt like that of a rag doll. I was taken to three hospitals because no one knew what was wrong. Finally after a week and several MRI’s I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis. Apparently only a small percentage of patients get up and walk and so my children were asked to think about making arrangements for me when I was discharged. At first, I could not believe that this had happened to me as I had led a busy life. And then, determination held sway. I told my Neurologist that I would do whatever it took if there was a glimmer of hope. He consulted with his colleagues at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and he proposed some radical treatment.
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To cut a long story short, after being intravenously pumped with steroids, he brought in an amazing young Physiotherapist. All she asked was that I trust her and I promised to do so. Eventually after weeks and weeks I was tottering along on crutches. It was now time to go into rehab. There was a gym at rehab and another physio. I failed all the initial tests that they put me through, but determination was imminent in my mind. Twice a day I practiced at the gym, staying longer to practice some more. Soon I graduated to a walking stick and walked the hospital corridors day and night, practicing, much to the annoyance of the other patients who thought I was insane. I had come so far and was not about to give up! Finally, after some months I returned home, still wobbly and using my stick to get around. I had acquired some very valuable skills which were taught to me at rehab prior to my release, and I managed on my own.
Finally, in June 2015, I saw a clip in the CATS (Community Assisted Transport Service) Newsletter calling for an expression of interest in doing six lessons, one a week at the Green Apple Wellness Centre and the rest is history. Katrina was our instructor and a Wonder Woman she was! Not only was she encouraging, kind, thoughtful, inspiring, she intuitively knew what form of exercise was right for each and every one of us. She challenged us to reach our potential and never to fear. Her caring and effervescent demeanour to every one of us is beyond compare. Under her tutelage I grew from strength to strength and I only have her to thank for my improvement. She encouraged me to be confident and finally in early 2017 I gave up using the stick. Wow! It was amazing! The best decision I ever made was coming to the Green Apple Wellness Centre. All the staff are ever so friendly, caring and supportive of our needs; nothing is too much trouble. I am so very grateful to Katrina and the Staff of the Green Apple Wellness Centre, not forgetting CATS in providing this opportunity for all of us to grow stronger, confident and more resilient in our lives. Motivation, Inspiration, Success encapsulates the Green Apple Wellness Centre! I have now joined the gym and coming in 3 days a week, working out and having fun getting my health back on track.
June Clowes Member since 2013
Just by Chance
Last year I was a volunteer with the Queensland Brain Institute’s study as they were wanting to check what is the Best Exercise to maintain optimum Brain health as we are ageing. I spend 6 months, attending three times per week at the Exercise Physiology gym at UQ. The study also involved lots of blood tests, 4 MRI’s and 4 body scans plus cognitive testing. I thoughly enjoyed this experience and felt that I benefited both physically and cognitively, from my exercise routine and would suffer from withdrawal symptoms when I finished the course.
Following the study, I was determined to find a gym close to home where I might continue my exercise routine. In July 2017, I was onboard the “Sun Princess” on a cruise from Perth over the top back to Brisbane. It was my habit to frequent the onboard gym, and while there one early morning, I met a lovely lady, whose name I cannot recall. She was a recently retired nurse from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. I got chatting and explained about my involvement in the Brain Institute’s study, and explained that I was looking for a gym that was accommodating to the older person. I only chanced upon her on that one day.
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This lady told me about Green Apple Gym and mentioned Victoria and her wonderful staff. When I returnee back to Brisbane, I checked out Green Apple and subsequently was interviewed by Victoria and assessed by one of your Exercise Physiologist. Since October 2017 I have attended three times per week, and really love this place. The staff is most friendly and accommodating, the other members are also friendly, which makes the gym a delight to attend. I would recommend this place to anyone who is seeking to improve or maintain, their fitness. My fitness has continued to improve this year. I have also very much enjoyed massages both with Victoria.
I am also very grateful for the chance meeting with my gym friend onboard the Sun Princess in July 2017. I do believe that chance happenings and recommendations be followed up on, and I am so very glad I did.
If the lady who referred to this wonderful place would let the office know her name I would be most happy if they would then pass your name onto me so that I can thank you personally.
Jude McWhirter
Member since 2017
Susan Angus-MacInnes
I joined the Green Apple Wellness Centre in March 2014, this occasion afforded me the opportunity to reflect on my experiences during the past year. I want to congratulate you on the passion you share as you go about making a difference to members’ lives. It is evident each one of your team has been selected carefully to provide high-quality service, covering a large range of aspects required in the provision of a wellness centre. That is very much an indication of your leadership.
I am particularly grateful for what I term a “Wrap-around Approach” which reflects the attitude and commitment of each team member to support the Green Apple’s members and happily share the joy of their individual successes. In particular, I must give credit and thanks to my Exercise Physiologist, Bridie who prepares my programs and encourages me.
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My membership has resulted in considerable benefits to my health and in particular, one aspect that meant a great deal to me. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2007 and consequently, my driver’s licence was marked with an ‘M” for medical condition. I struggled with this on so many levels.
Suffice to say, my ‘extrinsic goal’ was to do all I could to have this condition on my licence removed. I was thrilled when after positive and consistent changes in my HbA1c, my doctor was satisfied that through my involvement in programs offered by Green Apple, (and dare I say commitment on my part), I had come to the point where she was prepared to complete the necessary paperwork to have the ‘M” removed. I drove straight to the Transport Department (observing correct speed limits of course) and felt elated to receive my new licence. To maintain this status has become ‘instrinsic’ and with the team’s continued support, I am optimistic that this will be a permanent change for the better.
I thought other members may not be aware that new medical standards came into effect in the Austroads document Assessing Fitness to Drive 2012, which replaces the previous standards (2003). This document can be accessed at http://www.ausroads.com.au/assessing-fitness-to-drive I write this article in the hope it may be of assistance to those members who have diabetes.
In essence, private vehicle drivers treated by glucose-lowering agents other than insulin may drive without licence restriction on the condition they have five-yearly reviews. If treated with insulin, private drivers must have a review at least every two years conducted by your usual medical practitioner. The review will determine if the diabetes is under “satisfactory control’. Satisfactory control is determined by a medical practitioner making clinical judgements on a case by case basis. For private drivers on insulin, “satisfactory control” is “defined as a HbA1c level of less than 9.0% measured within the preceding three months”.
Commercial drivers whose diabetes is treated by either insulin or other glucose-lowering agents, must have an annual review by a specialist in endocrinology or diabetes to determine whether the diabetes is “under satisfactory control”.
Diabetes Australia will be happy to clarify any concerns or confusion the new medical standards may have created. I look forward to continuing good health now that I am a fully-fledged member of the Green Apple Wellness Centre. This means I can take advantage of the myriad of support programs available to me as a member.
It is a lifelong commitment made possible by knowing that when the inevitable challenges come, there will be that ‘wrap-around ‘to support and motivate me in the coming years. Your card states, “We inspire lifestyle changes” – you certainly do and thankfully I am one of those you have helped.
Susan Angus-MacInnes
Member since 2014
Karen Heath
I am a great advocate of the benefit of exercise for mental health. I naturally have a nervous disposition and this year, in particular, has been plagued by anxiety and panic attacks despite my medication. This leads to symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, headaches and nausea. I believe there is an underlying heart condition affecting me as well and the medical tests and uncertainty only increases the symptoms. The attacks are random and debilitating, but I can say that when I am exercising I feel no symptoms apart from breathlessness (perfectly normal), and am on top of the world! I think endorphins (feel- good chemicals) are responsible for this and I have proof that my blood pressure, lately slightly elevated, is reduced during exercise.
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My programs have been very well designed by the instructors, taking into account the physical effects of anxiety, but it is in my classes that I feel the full benefit. I love the variety of group classes, especially my Step, Circuit, Kai-Bo and Boxing Classes! There is a wonderful camaraderie in the classes, a fun spirit of competition, compassion for each other. My classes do truly put a smile on my face! I love the cheerful encouraging attitude of all the staff, their expertise, their ability to adapt exercises to allow participation despite physical limitations. Green Apple Wellness Centre is the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you all – staff and members!
I forgot to mention that I struggled with the Green Apple Camp Quality 15km walk in July this year because of physical symptoms and plantar fasciitis but I was very encouraged by the lovely course marshals and other participants who spurred each other on. This is a truly inspiring walk. Thanks to all.
Karen Health
Member since 2014
Sherenne Whitmell
I have been a member of the Green Apple for nearly 15 years and can honestly say that regular attendance has enabled me to remain active and flexible as I age.
The secret of the success of the Green Apple is due entirely to Victoria and her dedicated and professional staff. Their skillset and knowledge allow everyone regardless of ability or disability to achieve success with their exercise programme and gain freer movement and strength in their everyday life. I have made many friends over the years and greatly enjoy their company whether it be in the Gym or enjoying a coffee after a class or workout.
I would also like to thank Wanda for her wonderful and enjoyable Clinical Pilates class and Bridie, a great Exercise physiologist, for her help in compiling my exercise programme.
Long live the Green Apple.
Sherenne Whitmell
Member since 2006
Jean Edridge
A Journey in Time (and some “timely” advice)
I’ve just achieved my latest Fitbit medal, the “Monarch Migration” which means I’ve walked 4000kms (as far as the Monarch butterfly migration). It has taken me two years!
Hello fellow members. My name is Jean Edridge. I am a long-time member, started in April 1992. I’d love to share my journey with you.
My reason for joining was weight loss. I was responding to a letterbox drop advertising Victoria’s healthy eating and exercise course. I also hoped that exercise would help if I was to develop osteoarthritis which my Father had or even prevent it from happening. About the same time my Mother broker her hip and I realised it must have been because she had osteoporosis, so yet another reason to exercise both aerobically and use weights.
I continued to attend the gym because of the above plus I enjoyed the social aspect of it. The staff have always been the best, so kind and helpful, Victoria “chooses wisely”.
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I have always attended regularly, gym comes first. Friends and family realise that and where possible appointments and family commitments take that in to consideration. I hate to miss my gym!
I have to say during my middle years at the gym I preferred aerobic classes, over and above my weights program. During these years my husband Graham joined the gym and we both attend regularly.
I have had the good fortune to stay in good health. I have had the occasional knee and shoulder problems but they have resolved with rehab work.
Over the last five years or so I have become aware of keeping myself fit and functional as I age. To that end I focused on strength exercises, flexibility and balance.
Three years ago, my weight had increased and I was feeling the effects of it on simple things like putting on and lacing up shoes being able to bend over. So, I decided I had to lose these pesky kilos. I lost 15kgs and I don’t want to find them again!
Two years ago, I bought a Fitbit and I love it. It has really made me conscious of increasing my walking and cardio exercise. Once I did not like doing cardio exercises on the gym equipment but now I am happy to do 30 minutes plus my weights, albeit not as heavy as I used to use. I also still like to participate in the aerobic classes. On non-gym days I walk 4kms around Bracken Ridge which means hills and I walk at a good pace to get my pulse rate up.
I believe I am fitter now than I was 5 years ago, but it didn’t just happen. I had to make it happen.
I hate to admit it but my husband and I are taking ageing very seriously and we are, we hope, doing all we can to safeguard ourselves.
- We are remodelling the bathroom to have a walk-in shower
- We have sensor lights for any night time wanderings
- We do not carry any awkward or heavy things up or down the stairs
- We hold onto railings/bannisters on stairs
- When out walking we use the ramps rather than stepping down or up the kerb (you never know when you might misstep), and a few extra steps has to be good doesn’t it?
- We use pedestrian crossings. (I cringe when I see people crossing between traffic just metres from a crossing)
- No ladders
All these are things we can apply for ourselves but we just never know when anything will happen. Obviously its not possible to totally protect ourselves from the unexpected but if we stay as strong and healthy as we can it surely has to minimise the outcome and help us to recover quicker and easier from whatever life has thrown us.
Jean Edridge
Member since 1992
Rae Archibald
Thanks to some great doctors and the Green Apple I turn 92 this month. I never expected to reach this age. I have had ill health for most of my life. When I was 27 and pregnant with our third baby I had the misfortune to contract Guillain Barre Syndrome. This usually occurs after an infection. It is a fairly rare acute disorder affecting the nervous system causing paralysis of legs, arms and respiratory muscles. It also affected my eyesight. There was very little known about this in 1958. The doctors expected me to be in hospital for 6 months but I was determined to get back to my little boys and made it out in 6 weeks. There was no physiotherapy or help of any sort back then. I just got out of bed holding on to other beds in the ward and made my legs move.
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Unfortunately, I then developed very acute asthma. I had many days in hospital and sometimes 2 or 3 days a week having physio to clear my lungs. Large doses of cortisone and other drugs helped a little. Then the aerosol cortisone was developed and gave me a better quality of life. I then got a job in Market Research. In the 1970’s research was mostly carried out by interviewers talking to people in their homes. So I tucked my Ventolin in a pocket and walked miles around the suburbs. I became a supervisor and then was approached by market research companies down south to set up my own business. This grew into a seven day a week job with very long hours. I still suffered from some asthma but it was more under control. During this time my body seemed to grow lumps inside so that I had a hysterectomy and partial thyroidectomy.
In 1992 I came down with what I called a flu. I was very ill for a couple of weeks and then after this, I was eventually diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The pain was so bad I could not turn over in bed or even pull a sheet over me. Keeping my business going, dealing with clients and the management of staff was a challenge. The rheumatologist tried every tablet on the market with little success. Then in 2001, he tried Methotrexate, which was originally developed as a chemotherapy drug. I was clear of the devastating pain for the first time in years. Realising that I needed to do something to strengthen my muscles (I had read about special exercises for arthritis sufferers) I phoned one gym but the lass on the phone did not seem to know what I was talking about. I then remembered that I had seen the Green Apple and when I phoned was lucky to speak to Victoria who said “I can help you.” Unfortunately, I could not keep taking that medicine because of the side effects but by then I was involved in the exercise program and that helped a lot. I now take the methotrexate by injection once a week and other drugs and painkillers that combined with the exercise keeps me going. A doctor has recently told me that asthma and rheumatoid arthritis are now known to be a consequence of the Guillain Barre Syndrome. Since joining Green Apple, Victoria and the great staff have helped me through a knee replacement and breast cancer. It was my lucky day that I phoned the Green Apple.
I can attest to the efficacy of doing resistance training. A few months ago I had a serious accident, slipping over on a sudsy floor and slamming my chest into the corner of a divan. My rib bones did not break but I did a lot of damage to my lungs. Now at 92, I am healthier than at most times of my life. Without the structured exercise program at the Green Apple, I could not have the quality of life that I now enjoy.
Rae Archibald
Member since 2013
Edit Note: Rae is an amazing woman who appears to stay mentally strong regardless of the multiple challenges life throws at her. I know Rae could have written so much more of her journey here and she has been frugal in her telling of this story…. So much more could have been included. Space is always the problem!!
Marilyn Weatherley
“I would like to thank the staff at Green Apple Wellness Centre for their ongoing support and encouragement since my doctor referred me to the Exercise Physiologists to help with my ongoing knee problem and difficulty in losing weight. I have since joined the gym and the Exercise Physiologists have worked out an exercise program for me.
My doctor also referred me to the Type 2 Diabetes course which I have recently completed and enjoyed immensely. Combined with the exercise program, the Diabetes course has been an invaluable source of information regarding diet, exercise and lifestyle modification. Thank you especially to Bridie, who not only conducts a very informative and enjoyable Diabetes course but has helped me get back on track again after a recent pleurisy attack.
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The exercise program and Diabetes course have made a great difference in my life – carrying less weight and exercising have meant my knee and back have been strengthened and I am doing more than I have in a very long time. I am a passionate quilter and have been able to enjoy my craft a lot more since my fitness level has improved. It has also done wonders for my self-confidence.
All in all, I am feeling much better in myself and my doctor is more than happy with my results. Thanks again to the friendly staff at Green Apple.
Marilyn Weatherley
Member since 2011
