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June 15, 2006
Baby steps for the bad back
Question: My husband injured his back about 5 years ago. Now he cannot walk but a short distance and cannot stand for any length of time. He has gained considerable amount of weight during this time. He is 6ft. and weighs approximately 340 lbs. and is 59 years old. He also has an irregular heartbeat and is on blood thinners. He wants to lose the weight but does not know what to do. We have tried to eat differently but without exercise it is not helping. Please tell me how to help him because I don't want to lose him to this weight problem. He has a lot of trouble breathing also.
Answer: This is a real bummer, because I don’t think that I can help either. I do have several ideas but they’re only suggestions and remember that I am not a doctor and will never pretend to be. One thing to remember is if you are not expending calories you do not need to take that many in. Your best bet would be to go to a licensed dietician and get the correct calorie intake for him. Second, if he can only walk a short distance keep him walking, let him walk until he can’t, let him sit and rest, then get his ass up again. Everyday push a little harder, nothing too crazy just a little more each day. It will feel like an eternity but I’ll bet within six months he’ll be walking better and feeling better. The fat won’t come off that fast but you need to get to the starting line if you want to finish the race. Let’s get your man to the starting line and then we’ll figure out how to run the race. This is his journey, stay by his side because he will need a little help along the way. Keep me updated.
Posted by Rocco at June 15, 2006 07:19 PM
Comments
Richard Simmons has a workout video called "sit tight," and its meant for people who are wheelchair bound, too fat for being out of a recliner, or otherwise stuck in a chair. It's low impact exercise, lots of wide arm clapping, etc.
Posted by: Jamie at June 26, 2006 09:45 AM
