Gift Ideas for Healthy Holidays

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Gifts that help promote the good health of a loved one say a lot about how much you care. The December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers gift ideas that are fun, practical and promote wellness and healthy living.

A day at the spa: A gift of a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage is a morale booster and can help relieve holiday stress.

Exercise inspiration: If someone on your list has been hankering for a new way to exercise, give a gift card that will inspire fitness activities such as snowshoeing, a new fitness class or equipment at a sporting goods store.

Healthy dining out: Plenty of eateries have added healthy dishes to their menus. Give the gift of a meal at a restaurant specializing in vegetarian or low-calorie options.

Bookstore gift card: Everyone can find something to enjoy at a bookstore. Consider using your gift as an invitation to form a book club. Maintaining close friendships through shared activities can help promote good health. In addition, studies show that the more you participate in mentally challenging activities, the more likely you are to maintain your brainpower as you age.

A new skill: Classes in cooking, dancing or knitting could be a special treat for someone who has expressed interest in picking up new skills.

Gift baskets: For the person on a special diet, put together some of your own recipes, or pick out a healthy cookbook and pair it with a food scale, a vegetable steamer, an indoor grill or salt-free spices. For a woman constantly on the go, offer help to slow down. Make a basket with bath salts, essential oils, a bottle of wine or a journal.

Time for self-care: Sometimes the best gift is time, especially for women who juggle home, work and family responsibilities. Offer coupons for babysitting, dog watching, house sitting, dinner preparation or carpooling.

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Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — Erik Kaldor 904-953-2299

Mayo Clinic Scottsdale — Lynn Closway 480-301-4337

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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