JENICE: Has anyone any suggestions for motivating loved ones to eat better and exercise? I've tried it in the past and only made a pest of myself. My parents even started calling me the food police. I don't mean to aggravate folks, but it's hard to sit back and watch people I love not do right by themselves.

YVONNE: One thing I try to check myself on is being receptive to advice before I try to give it. And to try to be encouraging when people make strides. A friend today, for example, told me he's working at drinking more water. I cheered him on and left it at that.

WENDY: Honestly, sometimes all you can do is say it and let the person come to the decision. It is their choice, after all. I've got one loved one who made the decision to be healthy and is doing great. I've got another who really must change her life and isn't, and I worry about her all the time.

One thing you can do when that person is in your house is to go all the way with them: No junk food allowed! If you must cheat, keep the candy bars at work. But it's better if you go with them, to support them and to help yourself.

JILL: I try to give this kind of advice sparingly. If you nag someone repeatedly about an issue, they tune you out and don't want to hear it anymore. Maybe sitting them down for a private talk and couching it in terms of your love for them -- I feel frustrated when you overeat/overdrink/whatever because I love you and worry about you -- is a more effective way to go. Then let it go. Unfortunately, we can't protect the people we love from their own bad choices. Beyond a certain point, we are powerless. That's hard to accept but it's true.