My mother recently had a physical. I was alarmed to see that her cholesterol was 240. Her blood pressure is normally around 140/115. She is 5 feet 4 inches, 163 pounds and the most wonderful mother I could ask for. I'm very worried about her health and have tried to give her my input on what I know would help her become healthy. How can I help her?

It's great that you want to help your mom. Have you sat down and talked with her, told her how much she means to you, and that you're worried about her health? Does she understand the health risks involved with being overweight and having high cholesterol? Does she exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet? Ultimately, she's the one who has to make the commitment to change her habits, and having your support is a big plus.

To start, tell her how you feel. If she wants to change but doesn't know how, make an appointment with a registered dietitian in her area and go with her to the appointment. Read through my articles in the Healthy Eating Expert section, and email some articles to her to read. Offer to walk with her on a regular basis, sign up for a water aerobics class together or bike together regularly to get her involved in exercise. Choose some healthy, lower-fat recipes from our recipe section in the Food channel, and make those for her dinner. Buy her a great heart-healthy cookbook for belated Valentine's Day.

Remember that it's not easy to change old habits, but with your support and encouragement she should be able to make progress.