Annie’s mailbox: Individuals must make the choice to be healthy
Notice: Undefined variable: article_ad_placement3 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/single.php on line 128
Q. I have an amazing dad. He coaches my lacrosse team and is always up for a game in the yard. But I am growing very nervous about his health.
Dad eats fast food every day at work and comes home to enjoy a home-cooked meal topped with a large amount of salt. He then sits in front of the TV with a huge bowl of buttered popcorn and a beer. If he’s not playing lacrosse with me in the yard, he gets no exercise at all.
Nothing is motivating my dad to watch what he eats. He is quite tall, so weight doesn’t show on him the way it might on someone else. But I happen to know that his cholesterol level is horrible, and no one could be healthy eating the way he does.
I have run out of ideas. I desperately want my dad to be healthy, but I don’t want him to think he’s being bossed around by his 12-year-old daughter. Any ideas? – Ignored in Louisville
A. You are sweet to be worried about Dad, but please understand that until your father is ready to watch what he eats, nothing you say or do will make much difference. He knows how you feel, he knows his cholesterol numbers, and chances are, your mom has also said something to him. He may wake up one morning and decide to be healthier. Until then, however, the most you can do is love him the way he is and get him to join you for more lacrosse in the backyard.