Disclosure: I have partnered with Life of Dad and Meta Wellness for this promotion.

When I went to Dad 2.0 Summit I heard so many great stories about being a dad. I was also privileged to see Michael Strahan speak. Part of his message was about the “Heart 2 Heart” campaign from Meta Wellness which encourages men to have important health conversations with their loved ones. It was for Heart Health month, which was February, but the importance of men talking about health. Especially men talking with their fathers about health. I knew that I would be a part of this campaign and would be talking with my own dad about health and wellness. Except I was a bit nervous about it because, while we do talk on a regular basis, talking about health can be a challenge especially with someone who has taught me so much. I may be in my forties, yikes, but it is hard not to feel like a little kid around your own parents.

Despite my nerves about having a conversation on this subject with my dad I did have some tips from Michael Strahan on having a “Heart 2 Heart” conversation with my dad like he did with his dad.

As a catalyst for conversation, the “Heart 2 Heart” campaign is providing a first-hand look at how easy it is to have a heart health talk with your loved one through a new video showcasing Michael Strahan’s intimate conversation with his father, Gene – and tips on how to help your loved one jumpstart their heart-healthy routine with Meta. You can see that conversation in this video spr.ly/H2HLOD.

7 Tips from Michael Strahan on How to Have a Heart 2 Heart Conversation with Your Dad.

1. Go into the conversation with a purpose. Make a few notes beforehand to keep the conversation on track. It’s really easy to venture down a road that both you and your dad may not be completely comfortable discussing.
2. Think about what you want to accomplish. If there’s an actionable goal that you want your dad to set, help him develop a plan to get it done.
3. Watch your tone. People can become really sensitive when you sit them down and tell them about themselves. Make sure that you are approaching the conversation as objectively as possible.
4. Set an example. Leading by example is always compelling, especially with parents. Holding yourself accountable will help you hold your dad accountable.
5. Acknowledge that you hear him. Making small changes can be a big task and what your dad really needs is your support.
6. Help him add more fiber to his diet. It’s scientifically proven that diets high in fiber can lower cholesterol and promote heart health†. Pick up some Meta and add it to smoothies or protein shakes for that extra boost to help ensure your fiber intake is met every day.
7. Watch and share the #Heart2Heart video. I recently had to have a tough heart health conversation with my dad that could inspire your talk.

I gave my dad a call and asked him to breakfast at our favorite breakfast place. I explained what I was doing with Meta Wellness and that our conversation will be about our health. We did talk about our health and wellness but much more. We also had Andrew along so much of what we were saying had interjections from a very active four year old. I could have tried to do this without Andrew along, but I watch him all week and it is important to see that fathers and sons can have important conversations at any age.

We talked about our personal health and how we could each stand to eat better. I explained that I was now having a packet of Metamucil with water each morning and starting the day with an additional big glass of water. I know that I have to be a good example for my son, Andrew. Choosing healthy meals for him, while challenging, is important. The good thing about Andrew is that he loves all sorts of fruits, so when he asks for his 500th snack of the day (or so it seems) I can give him something good to eat like an apple or banana. However, I need to set a better example in what I eat. Andrew already knows that I spend a lot of time working out because I hit the gym after dropping him at school, but I also need to back that up with a better diet.

As far as Dad and I. We talked about being dads and how when I was Andrew’s age my dad was working all the time. He was first a travelling salesman, but decided that it wasn’t the direction that he wanted his life to go, so he made a change. He started his own construction business. While it made him happier to do something meaningful, and that he could be proud of, it meant that he had to work so much harder. This was his business and his success or failure landed on his shoulders alone. With a young growing family to support financially that is a scary thought. As an adult raising my kids I can only now appreciate how much pressure that must have been.

Running a business that demanded so much of his time meant that my dad didn’t have the luxury of spending lots of time with his kids. Despite that lack of time he still found ways to make the most of his time with us. I spent more time with Dad because I would pick up around the work sites, mow lawns at the houses that he owned and learned so much watching him. I learned that I needed to keep a job site clean every day. This is something that I notice all the time when I see people working. I learned that quality work is important and can recognize poor workmanship because my father is an exemplary carpenter. I am proud to point out places all over that he has built or renovated because of his quality workmanship. Work that will be around for a long time.

I want my dad to be around for a long time, too. I don’t think that I’ll ever stop learning things from him and so I want him to be around for a long time. That means that we have to both be healthier in our choices of eating habits, activity and attitude. I know that Meta Wellness can help with at least one of those choices. I was provided with a care package from Meta Wellness that included packets of Metamucil, a 15oz container of Metamucil and also some Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin and Cranberry Lemon Drizzle Meta Health Bars. With these I can supplement my diet with additional fiber to help me feel less hungry between meals*. Also, Metamucil and Meta Health Bars help lower cholesterol to promote heart health.†

Our “Heart 2 Heart” conversation was just the beginning. It certainly opened the door for Dad and I to keep on each other to stay healthy but also to have a better understand of who we are as dads. I appreciate having the opportunity to work with Meta Wellness on this campaign and how important heart health is but how much more important it is to have “Heart 2 Heart” conversations with those we love.

You can find out more information about the entire line of Meta Wellness products and other health tips on the various Meta online sites and social media outlets. Plus, you can download a coupon for Meta Wellness products.

Meta’s website: http://www.metawellness.com/en-us
Meta’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetaWellness1/
Meta’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetaHealth
Meta’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/pgmetamucil

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

†Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 7 grams of soluble fiber per day from psyllium husk, as in Metamucil and Meta Health Bars, may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. One adult serving of Metamucil Powder has 2.4 grams of this soluble fiber. One Meta Health Bar and one serving of Metamucil Fiber capsules have at least 1.8 grams of this soluble fiber.