It’s important to make yourself into a more fit father

By LISA LIDDANE
The Orange County Register

The year my son was born, my father came to visit. During his stay with us, he suffered a trans-ischemic attack — sometimes called a ministroke. It would not be the last one. In two years, he’s had several of them. His doctor says they could lead to a massive stroke, especially if he does not change his lifestyle to include healthy eating and regular physical activity. In that same period, Dad has rapidly lost his ability to walk unassisted and now needs a wheelchair to get around.

He’s only 70.

Dad was an avid jogger in his 40s. In past two decades, he pretty much gave up on regular exercise. Now, we have to coax, cajole and remind him to use the stationary exercise bike I bought him and to continue his physical-therapy exercises at home to restore some of his mobility.

Recently, I suggested that he listen to buoyant classical music to make riding the bike less tedious and more enjoyable.

I love my father very much and tell him I want him to be around for a long time. Often, he says he’ll make a better effort to exercise. Sadly, thousands of miles separate us, so I can’t keep him company during his exercises and coach him daily to better health. But I hang on to the hope that it isn’t too late for him.

His experience reminds me all too painfully about how important it is for fathers to be active throughout life — and to do it wisely.

Some fathers find themselves temporarily shelving physical activity to accommodate the demands of parenthood or work.

Others look in the mirror and don’t like seeing that their midsection has grown. So they hastily jump into a sport rather than gradually building their fitness. Along the way, they get injured.

And some fathers in their senior years give up on physical activity because they’re not able to play the sport they once enjoyed.

There are answers to these barriers.

Family and physical activity need not be mutually exclusive. Now more than ever, there are many tools to help parents be active with kids. Instead of driving to a park where your kids can play, ride a bike or walk with your children. If they’re very young, use a trailer or a stroller to transport them. You get the exercise two ways: Taking them to the park and playing with them once you’re there.

When possible, walk the sidelines when you’re watching your kids’ games instead of sitting down.

If you’re sedentary, get a physical exam first before restarting a fitness program or taking up a sport. It’s terrific that you were a college jock or a star high school athlete. But a lot has changed since then, including athletic training techniques. Take the slow approach to avoid injuries. And wear athletic footwear appropriate for the activity.

Finally, if injuries or medical conditions leave you unable to participate in your favorite sport, remember that many other activities can be enjoyable. You just have to give them — and yourself — a chance.