ABBOTT DADS DEMONSTRATE HEALTH

When their babies arrive, some dads may opt to trade in their convertibles or move to bigger homes. As their kids age, they may become experts in a number of new topics – fort construction, tea party etiquette and soccer coaching, just to name a few. And for many, fatherhood may serve as a catalyst to break bad habits and become healthier.

As we celebrate Father's Day in many countries around the world including India, Canada and the United States, we asked Abbott dads how they're inspired by their kids to live a healthier life. Many reflected on how their priorities changed when they welcomed their children. Here are a few of our favorite global responses:

When asked how fatherhood changed his view on health, Evren Dolar, senior sales representative, nutrition, Turkey, pictured above with his 6-year-old son Arel, said, "Since he came to my life, I take care of myself more. I have to be healthy to be around him whenever he needs me."

Rohan Mohan, general manager, marketing in our branded generic pharmaceutical business, India also made healthy lifestyle changes for his 6-year-old son. Since becoming a father, he's more conscious of what he eats and aims to set a positive example through exercise.	It's no secret that kids often have boundless energy. Ankur Agrawal, product manager, Abbott's branded generic pharmaceuticals business, India, strives to remain fit so he can keep up with his young son.
Weizhi Xing, sales representative, vascular, China, adjusted his diet when his daughter was born. He also developed a fitness program and set short- and long-term goals. He hopes to improve his own health while setting an example for his family.

Good health has helped some Abbott dads enjoy nature's wonders with their kids. For instance, Geran Davies, a quality assurance and compliance manager, Abbott's diabetes business in Witney, UK, climbed to the top of Penyfan Mountain in South Wales with his children, a feat he completed years ago with his own father.

Through family hikes, Guarav Parnami, senior product manager, Abbott's vascular business in California, also is cultivating memories and a strong appreciation of nature in his 3-year-old son. When his son is a teenager, they plan to hike Half Dome, the 5,000-foot mountain that looms above Yosemite Valley in California.

As a dad, Davies hopes to instill some magic and adventure into his children's lives.

Parnami enjoys exploring nature with his 3-year-old son.

Many of Abbott's dads are using exercise to teach their kids about the power of health. They're coaching teams, running races and cheering loudly on the sidelines.

Stephen Dupont, equipment line technician for Abbott's vascular business in California, often cheers for his daughter's activities. When he's not on the sidelines, he demonstrates good health by working out at the gym and encouraging his family to ride bikes together.	Ronald Freeze, senior director, regulatory affairs, Abbott's branded generic pharmaceuticals business in Illinois, was overjoyed when his 13-year-old daughter took first place during a trail run. Racing together has not only provided a way to burn energy for the duo, but it has also provided some special quality time in their busy schedules.
Bruce Wilson, director, research and development, Abbott's vascular business in California, taught his daughter, Heather, an associate packaging engineer for Abbott, the importance of challenging yourself through exercise. Today, they complete competitive triathlons together.

Many of the Abbott fathers reflected on how important it was to them and their families to spend quality time together.

Whether it's skiing on the weekends or escorting his two daughters to father/daughter dances, Tom Tveit, senior account manager, Abbott's diabetes business, cherishes the memories he's creating as a Dad.

Carlos Angarita, senior project manager, IT, Illinois, views his health as a way to share special moments with his son.

Chad Price, senior specialist national accounts, nutrition, Ohio is enjoying the marathon adventure called parenting. Just like in running an endurance race, he believes nutrition and exercise are important to doing well.

"Fatherhood has had a huge impact on the way I think about health," said Price. "I am working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making better food choices so there will be many more days of swinging and long walks in the park. That time together with my daughter is priceless, and I want to be able to enjoy every minute of it!"

Interested in more health tips from Abbott parents? Check out advice from Abbott employee moms on raising healthy families.