DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom and sister have gained a lot of weight since the beginning of 2020. My sister is out of work, and my mom is working way too much. I think these are both contributing factors to their weight gain. I know they aren’t alone. Most of my friends, co-workers and neighbors have packed on some pounds. As I have seen a few people out and about, I have noticed this. To avoid that problem, I chose to exercise more intensely during quarantine, but my family did not. How can I help them? How can I say something about this without offending them deeply? I know we made different choices before, but I want to motivate them to change so that they can be healthier now. -- Trying To Help
DEAR TRYING TO HELP: We have just started a new year. This is often the time when people refresh their commitment to taking care of themselves. That includes moving their bodies and eating better. What if you introduce the idea that all of you make a pact to get healthier now? Without pointing to them individually, remind them that the past two years have been tough. Millions of people have gained weight and not eaten so well, including your family. Suggest that the three of you agree to motivate each other to get healthier. There are many ways to do this. You can connect on a fitness app and walk at the same time. You can share recipes and use video technology to cook together, making it a fun task. You can get together weekly -- if you live close to each other -- and enjoy a healthy meal coupled with movement. Keep encouraging them to take action with you. Don’t point the finger -- extend a hand.