How to Help Your Husband Get Healthy

2009/05/11

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How to Help Your Husband Get Healthy

Your husband may be great at taking care of the family car, but he probably isn't so attentive to his own well-being. for his annual checkup, he'll go... next year. Instead of nagging, try these strategies:

Make back-to-back doctor appointments for yourself and your husband

That way, you know you'll get him there - and when it's your turn, you can alert the physician to any problems your husband may be too embarrassed to bring up, says Harvey B. Simon, M.D., of the Harvard Medical School. Also, you can keep track of any new information, says Mark Moyad, M.D., of the University of Michigan Medical Center. "Most men are terrible listeners when it comes to specifics about cholesterol counts or treatment plans," says Dr. Moyad.

Don't become the food police

If you put your husband on the defensive, he may eat even more nonnutritious stuff. Instead, help him figure out how to change, says Robert Scales, Ph.D., of the University of New Mexico. And remember that fish, chicken and turkey aren't the only healthy dinner choices: If you're married to a meat-and-potatoes guy, keep him happy with lean beef.

Work out together

Your support can be a powerful motivator. Plus, you'll become slimmer and fitter too. The best way to get started is to find something you both will enjoy. "You don't have to go to the gym. Exercise together while watching a favorite TV show - that will give you a regular schedule. Or get a large dog: For some reason, men are happy to take long walks for the sake of Fido.