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December 2005

Your Holiday Gift List

Nine creative ways to say “Healthy Holidays!”

Uh oh: It’s time for the annual conundrum. What to get that special someone in your life (or even put on your own wish list)? No worries! We’ve found nine great - and healthy - gift ideas for those who have diabetes (and even for those who do not).

1. Pedometers. They’re easy to use and wear, and many count steps—(and miles). They’ll help your friends gradually build more walking into their daily schedules and track their progress as they go! Pedometers are available at sports and discount stores and online.

2. "Listening" to books. Audiotaped books are perfect for the treadmill walker—give a great book to “read” to help them pass the time (and steps) effortlessly! Not sure what kind of books your friend enjoys? Buy a bookstore gift certificate so they can choose their own.

3. Flexible fitness bands are a wonderful complement to an aerobic workout. You’ll find bands with little, moderate or heavy resistance. Stretch them between arms and legs to strengthen and tone muscles, tighten tummy and improve flexibility. They’re versatile and portable.

4. Fruit baskets come with healthy snacks for everyone—not just for people with diabetes. If your friend really loves fruit, consider a company that will deliver a fresh selection of in-season fruit to their door every month.

5. Healthy You gift cards. A card can pay for Healthy You programs, Massage Works, Youthful You Institute or Healthy You spa. Use it to treat someone to an exercise class or massage--even a manicure or pedicure! Call 610-402-CARE for details.

6. Workout accessories. A great workout should include some inexpensive but invaluable accessories like water bottles, hand towels and comfortable workout gear, including cushioned socks.

7. Shoe gift certificates. Buy your loved one a gift certificate to a shoe store that specializes in fitting sturdy athletic footwear. Many people with diabetes have lost some feeling in their toes and feet and need extra-stable shoes to enjoy their daily walks in safety.

8. Cookbooks. If your friend likes to cook, present them with a terrific cookbook like the Fix-It and Forget-It Diabetic Cookbook: Slow-Cooker Favorites to Include Everyone. This gem contains 600 easy-to-prepare recipes for main courses, vegetables, soups, stews and more. It’s available in bookstores or online.

9. Video games. Surprise! Some manufacturers now produce video games that encourage physical activity. Certain games encourage dancing (and lots of it), while others provide players with personalized exercise programs. These games make the perfect gift for the computer-lover in your life.

This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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LVH Info Line: 610-402-CARE
Cedar Crest & I-78, P.O. Box 689, Allentown, PA 18105-1556

Lehigh Valley Hospital has campuses in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pa. and serves the Pennsylvania communities of Easton, Doylestown, Quakertown, Hazelton, Lehighton, Perkasie, Pottstown, Pottsville, Reading, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Stroudsburg, and the Poconos and also Phillipsburg and Flemington, N.J., and western New Jersey. You don't have to travel to Philadelphia or New York for quality health care.

 
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