My mom has very high cholesterol, but she doesn't seem to care. Is there any way I can motivate her to lower

Question

her choleserol? She know the dangers of it, but she still eats greasy and deep fried foods, telling me "Only this one time" each time. She never eats helpful foods like oatmeal or Cheerios. I even put up a chart about symptoms that indicate getting a heart attack in the future (a few of which she currently has) on the refrigerator. I also bought her a magazine with an article in it called Women's Hidden Heart Disease That Kills Without Warning, which she never even read. And even though she has gym membership, she never goes, claiming that she doesn't have any time. I have told her what will happen if she keeps this up, but I feel like I'm talking to a wall. She won't put together a healthy diet and fitness plan, even though I know that she's fully aware of what can happen. I'm afraid that she could get a heart attack or something similar, and I don't want to see that happen, especially since if she doesn't survive it, my siblings and I would be orphans. Help!!

Answer 1

My dear, unfortunately, you are learning so early in life that the only life you can change is your own. It sounds like your mother is a disaster looking for a place to happen, and I only hope that DOESN'T happen. I fear it will, though, sooner or later. You cannot change her mind, and the more you nag or fuss at her, the more determined she will be not to listen to one of her children. Some people just have to learn the hard way, so all you can do is pray that when something does happen, it won't be too severe. I'm sorry!

Answer 2

Yea, gym membership does not work for me either.
It was pretty much a waste of money. Instead, I just go jog around my neighborhood.
For you mom's cholesterol and motivation problem,
I suggest changing her surroundings. That is, have lots of healthy food like fruits, vegetables, and legumes around in your house. If its your mom who does the grocery shopping, go along with her and buy the healthy stuff and restrict her on buying cholesterol containing stuff (don't deprive her of it completely tho).
Then, if you haven't started yet, have you and other family members to start eating healthy (lots of veggies and fruits and less of carbs and fats). Why? because people tend to follow what others do. Your mom will be more likely to eat healthy if others do so too.
Next,
Exercise is very important.
Again, people are more motivated when others do it too.
So, go for a 20-30 min walk (I would say jog but its best to start light) ALONG with your mom. Its best to have someone to motivate her when she's doing exercises.
Hope the above is useful.
Good luck motivating her.
last thought: I hear walnuts help lower cholesterol.

Answer 3

She is in denial. Have someone else talk to her. Her doctor, or some close adult like a brother/sister or cousin, aunt, uncle, close friend. I know you're trying but unless she recognizes what she is doing is unhealthy she will not change. It is not a good situation and I hope your mom does come to her senses before it is too late.

Answer 4

My mom is 67 and she is the exact same way. It makes me feel very helpless. I expect to visit her at the nursing home down the street when she strokes out.