posted
I have been concerned about my father's health for as long as I can remember. Let me start off by saying that he is currently 53 years old. He is overweight, has high blood pressure (which he has to take lots of medication for), bad cholesterol, and he gets stressed out over the smallest things. He is what I call an "on and off" smoker. He started smoking when he was a teenager and finally quit around his 30s only to pick the habit up again a few years later. Once again, he decided to quit and eventually he ended up smoking AGAIN. This pattern has gone on for quite some time now. He also is known to smoke cigars. The only exercise that he ever really gets is when he is at work where he has to do a lot of walking around. His diet is most definitely not the healthiest. He has a problem with over-using mayonnaise and butter, and he eats LOTS of beef. The only good things that he ever eats is garlic and vegetables. So here's my question: How do I let him know nicely that I would like for him to get in shape and clean up his diet? I have this great fear that he is going to die soon of a heart attack or some other health problem. He was adopted and we know nothing about his real parents, so I have no clue of what health problems his family has.
Posts: 4 | From: Pearland, TX | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
tell him that his eating habits are [starting] to scare you. He'll most likely take it under consideration because of your concern.
Start off with helping him with his diet. After that is under [at least partial] control, then slowly introduce the smoking, excersise, ect. One at a time, so he doesn't feel over whelmed. I know it sounds like I'm telling you how to take care of a child, but everybody needs to be slowly introduced to changes, no matter what age.
I hope i helped, and i hope you find a way to help your dad.
-------------------- "All is fair in love in war... wait... that doesn't sound right..."
The love you cant have lasts the longest, feels the strongest... & hurts the deepest Posts: 81 | From: Oklahoma, USA | Registered: Jun 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I would sit down with him first and say pretty much what you said here- 'Dad, I'm worried about you.' Be heartfelt. If you want to get all your thoughts out first, a letter would probably work as well or maybe better.
He has to WANT to heal.. you need to be his motivation.
Posts: 86 | From: southern CA | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Maybe you should suggest that the two of you start exercising and eating healthy together? You know, maybe he will be more open to the idea if you are an active part in it and it will show him that you really are concerned about his condition. Try something like "Hey dad, want to go for a walk with me?" or "Hey dad, come taste this salad I made." You know what I mean? Good luck Posts: 217 | From: Virginia | Registered: May 2004
| IP: Logged |
Copyright 1998, 2013 Heather Corinna/Scarleteen
Scarleteen.com: Providing comprehensive sex education online to teens and young adults worldwide since 1998
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. The information contained herein is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or for prescribing any medication. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition.
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic