Holiday Gifts for Health, Part II

Enclosed find more of our suggestions for easy gifts that lead to getting and staying active and healthy in 2007.

1. Massage gift certificate – The gift of relaxation is wonderful to receive anytime of the year, but perhaps an especially good gift going into a new year.
2. Pedometer – Make sure it’s a good one, as some don’t count steps accurately. The Omron HG-112 digital pedometer is easy to use and accurate. Include a book that offers guidance about walking and using a pedometer such as “Mampo-Kei. The Art and Science of Step Counting”: How to be Naturally Active and Lose Weight! by Catrine Tudor-Locke.
3. Relaxation Music CD’s such as “Timeless Motion” by Daniel Kobialka; “Wind Chants” by Robert Higgins (Gregorian chants), or, “Merlin’s Magic” Reiki music. Add a handcrafted, organic soy candle with custom blends of aromatherapy-grade essential oils and 100% cotton wicks – to soothe stressed-out nerves.
4. Stocking stuffer suggestions: A jump rope (yes, for grown-ups, too); an exercise video; an exercise stretch band or a set of weights; a State Parks Pass or National Parks Passport; or, a share in a local farm produce co-op for next summer. Use your imagination, and you’ll come up with personal ideas perfect for the ones you love, and want to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Support yourself, your friends, family, and co-workers in enjoying this holiday season by encouraging a “less is best attitude” around the holiday gift list. Shorten your own list of to do’s by letting go of excess. Keep it simple. What better way to honor this holiday season than by slowing down the fast pace of life and taking a few moments to reflect, to listen (to nature; to your family and friends), and to give the gift of gratefulness to your loved ones. Help to spread the “attitude of gratitude.” As the American anthropologist, Margaret Mead, said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Let the gift of gratefulness spread from your own family and friends, to all living beings around the globe. We wish you a wonderful, healthy, Happy Holiday Season.