Sending a healthy gift

Out of the Box Thinking for a Healthy Gift

A sudden heart attack? Knee surgery? When you learn a family member, friend or colleague has a health issue, you probably want to be supportive. Choosing a healthy gift sends a positive message about your concern and helps you stand out of the crowd.

Flowers are the old standby, along with prepackaged gift baskets. But if you want to be a little more creative and send a genuinely healthy gift, here are some suggestions:

From CNN Health, a story about how giving a spa/health club membership or even a single visit can improve stress and fitness: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/12/10/hm.gift.of.health/index.html

Another great article, this one from Newsweek, mentions unusual ways to give a healthy gift. A tooth cleaning visit to the dentist or paying for a doctor's visit can start recipients on the road to wellness. (An added bonus to the dentist's visit: dentists routinely check for oral diseases these days.) Check the article out here: http://www.newsweek.com/id/172161/page/1

If you know the recipient has specific nutrition and health issues, go to the government's nutrition site. Learn more about food allergies, heart health, digestive disorders and more from the Food and Drug Administration:
http://www.nutrition.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=11&tax_level=1&tax_subject=392

Next time, we'll analyze what makes a legitimately healthy food basket, when a gift basket is your best choice.