Consider giving gifts that do a body good
BY DARLA CARTER December 13, 2011 2:45PM
You can put a healthful twist on holiday giving by selecting a gift or stocking stuffer that does the body good. Here are some ideas. You can find many of them at local stores or on Amazon.com and other websites.
Omron 10 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor (BP785)
What it is: One way to make sure that your blood pressure is staying in check is to monitor it at home, so blood pressure monitors can be practical gifts. This Consumer Reports top-rated monitor allows two different users to monitor and track their readings. It also has dual sensors to automatically double-check each reading and can provide averages for you and detect irregular heartbeats.
Estimated price: $99.99
Try: Retailers, such as Walmart, pharmacies and online.
Web: omronwebstore.com
Gum Crayola toothbrushes
What it is: Need a way to encourage your kids to brush after eating all those holiday cookies? These toothbrushes resemble crayons or markers and have a suction-cup base. A battery-powered version, the Gum Crayola Power Toothbrush, has oscillating bristles, and the Timer Light version flashes for 60 seconds to encourage longer brushing.
Estimated price: Varies, such as $2.99 and $5.89.
Try: Major retailers, such as Target, and online.
Web: GUMbrand.com
Yaktrax Pro
What it is: These traction aids are designed to keep you from falling when the ground turns slippery from packed snow or ice.
Estimated price: $30
Try: Dick’s Sporting Goods and online.
Web: yaktrax.com
Sole F80 treadmill
What it is: When the weather outside turns frightful, a treadmill can be delightful, or at least convenient for walkers and runners. The Sole F80 delivers speeds up to 12 mph and inclines up to 15 percent. It also folds up and has built-in speakers for your MP3 player.
Estimated price: $1,499.99
Try: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears and online.
Web: soletreadmills.com
Hoopnotica TravelHoop Kit
What it is: Fun-loving friends who enjoy hooping, or would like to give it a whirl, might enjoy this kit, which includes a travel hoop, a strap and a DVD. The portable hoop is aimed at travelers or anyone who likes to hoop in different locations, from parks to campus.
Estimated price: $49.99
Try: Online.
Web: hoopnotica.com
Yoga 4 Classrooms
Activity Card Deck
What it is: The teachers on your gift list might appreciate a set of these cards to use with their students. The colorfully illustrated cards show yoga postures, breath exercises and other moves that students can do in the classroom while sitting at their desks or standing beside them.
Estimated price: $32
Try: Online.
Web: yoga4classrooms.com
Abba You Can Dance
What it is: For the “Dancing Queen” on your list, this video game for the Wii system provides a fun way to work up a sweat while enjoying the tunes of the Swedish pop group Abba, such as “Mamma Mia” and “Take a Chance on Me.” She’ll need a Wii-compatible microphone to help get her groove on.
Estimated price: $39.99
Try: Best Buy, Target, Walmart and online.
Web: http://tinyurl.com/6pvymbg
Boxing for Fitness
What it is: This book by Clinton McKenzie, a former opponent of Sugar Ray Leonard, and fitness instructor Hilary Lissenden features a boxing-inspired workout. There are descriptions and colorful photos of exercises, plus tips on injury prevention and nutrition.
Estimated price: $24.95
Try: Online, at bookstores.
Web: fireflybooks.com
Gannett News Service
