How can I convince Dad to stop smok

[ammeygadley]

My dad was recently diagnosed with COPD. He refuses to quit smoking and will only do his exercises when the therapist is at the house. He also has seizures and osteoporosis. How can I help my dad when he doesn't want to help himself?

I did ask this same question here http://www.caring.com/questions/my-dad-was-recently-diagnosed-with-copd-he-refuses-to-quit
looking for advice from someone with similar experience.

Thank you.

Ammey

[Jeannine]

AMMEY

Your father sounds like he is in denial of his condition or really doesn't care if he lives or dies. For many people smoking is their only vice and comforts them(and probably why he has emphysema now) and he probably figures if he has to give it up then life isn't worth living. Speaking as a smoker of 40 years, quitting smoking was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life and I didn't quit until I got very sick.

Until he is ready to quit there isn't much you can do other than try to be sure he eats properly and takes vitamins and try to get him to move around more. The less you move around, the less you can until walking from the couch to the bathroom is the best one can do.

Good luck with your Dad and remember - Finding out you have a severe illness is devastating.