Family Health

My father recently made a trip down to North Carolina from New Jersey to come visit us. It’s his annual trip. I don’t get to see him often, but when I do I am reminded how important it is to keep up with our family connections. We don’t have the pleasure of seeing our extended family on a weekly basis. My husband’s family is overseas and mine are so spread out it’s not often we get to be together.
This last visit really hit me though. He had a health scare this year and was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Thankfully after removal of the tumor, and his left kidney he is cancer free. We are so fortunate that he is but many are not so lucky. Unfortunately, my dad is not a very health conscious man. When I’m around him I am privy to his diet and lack of exercise regime. I am struck by how unhealthy this makes a person. He gets winded walking up a flight of stairs. When we took him out on our boat and he found it hard to take a big step up onto the dock, he himself said, “I’ve really got to join a gym. I’ve gotten so out of shape.” Inside I was like ‘FINALLY--he’s realized it’! It’s no way to live. He has been given a new lease on life with a second chance. I’d hate to see him throw it away.
Both of my parents could use an overhaul on their diets and some motivation to move their bodies on a regular basis. I’m not sure where your parents are on that spectrum of health, but I do know that all of them can learn a lot from our generation. They were not raised in a society that put emphasis on keeping their bodies in the best condition possible. They were not making healthy food choices, nor were they encouraged to exercise regularly when they were younger. Heck, smoking wasn’t even considered unhealthy when they were growing up! So it is our responsibility to help them see that this change will help them live a longer and more fulfilling life. I am committed to helping them (not nagging them) to do this. Because, at the end of the day we ALL benefit. It keeps our parents around and helps them get the most out of life. Family is everything-- let’s inspire one another to take the best care of ourselves. It’s never too late!