Father’s Day – Gift of Health

Father’s day is a time to show appreciation to our fathers for what they have done for us.

This year give your dad the gift of healthy living. Give him the support he needs to feel good and to maintain his independence. Here are some ideas of where you might start:

1. Accompany your dad to his next Doctor visit. Help him navigate all of the questions and answers that he needs to get from his Doctor. It’s important that he clearly understands what he needs to do to be healthier.
2. Consult with a Dietition. Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy living. And your dad’s needs change as he gets older. See a dietitian to help him learn how to shop, cook and eat. You might even want to take him grocery shopping.  
3. Get involved with his recreational activities. Spend more time with him, and help him keep doing the things he likes to do.
4. Take him for a physical therapy evaluation. Physical therapists are experts at evaluating movement, and would be ideal for designing an appropriate exercise program for your dad. The right exercise can make all of the difference in the world.

As I look back on it now, I am starting to realize what my father gave up to raise my siblings and I. The long work hours, and the do it yourself house and car repairs.  All done to make sure that we were able to get a good education and were all well kept.

My dad did it all without complaints or concern for his own health and well being. This probably helps explain some of his current aches and pains.

Now that he is retired and getting older his physical condition has declined. So whether he likes it or not, we make sure that he comes to the clinic to exercise each week. And he may complain about it while here, but he always feels better when he leaves, and we even get to share a smile with him. We’d love to do the same for your father.

If you are lucky enough to still have your parents around, don’t just thank them for what they have done for you, help them get or stay healthy. A little nudge is sometimes all it takes. 

This year give your dad the tools he needs to feel and move better. For more information about healthy ideas for your dad call us 504 841 0150.