Consider giving the gift of better health this holiday season
Gallup pollsters tell us the average American plans to spend $942 on holiday gifts this year. Coming up with a meaningful gift can be challenging, especially for those who seem to have all the sweaters, ties and socks they need. For a gift that can change someone’s life, consider giving one of these six gift items that can lead to a healthier new year.
Gifts for cleaner air
Concerns about indoor air quality are valid. According to the EPA, indoor pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor pollutant levels. Since many Americans spend 90% of their days indoors, this exposure can be damaging. The source of the pollutants may be cleaning products, aging building materials, pesticides, hidden mold or heating sources. There are many different air purifiers available. Be sure to check the size of the room, energy efficiency and the cost and ease of filter replacement when shopping for an air purifier.
Gifts for a safer shower
Falls in the shower or tub are fairly common. Every day in America, an average of 640 people over the age of 15 suffer a serious fall in the bathroom requiring a trip to the emergency room, according to the CDC. To reduce this potential danger, consider giving a gift of a shower bench or chair since there is less danger of falling while sitting. Other shower aids like an automatic soap dispenser that mounts on the wall or grab bars are also good ideas. Bath mats with anti-slip backing are also helpful.
Gifts to encourage exercise
Fitness trackers have come a long way from being simple step counters. These wrist sensors have become more sophisticated and more affordable. There are trackers that can monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, stress and, of course, number of steps. A tracker can provide beneficial health monitoring for someone you love plus encourage them to get started on the important daily exercise routine.
Gifts for better sleep
A good night’s sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. The CDC reports that about one third of American adults are not getting the proper amount of sleep, which can increase the chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. Some sleep aids make great gifts, including white noise machines, relaxation music, sleep masks and sound blocking headphones. Some people have found aromatherapy to be helpful also.
Gifts for reducing blood pressure
Nearly half the adults in the United States have high blood pressure, according to the CDC. Since high blood pressure has few symptoms, it is often undetected. Only one in four of those with high blood pressure are getting treatment. A gift of a quality blood pressure monitor can provide a means of identifying and monitoring high blood pressure. Some monitors are wireless and have additional features to make them easy to use.
Gifts for better eating
Too much fast food and not enough fruits and vegetables are a big factor leading to many health problems. Poor diet increases the chances of developing chronic diseases including diabetes and heart disease. Giving a gift that encourages better eating is a thoughtful way to help someone improve their diet. Options include a salt-free seasoning collection, cookbooks with healthy recipes, subscriptions to monthly fruit or vegetable deliveries, juicers, air fryers and vegetable spiralizers. Change has to begin somewhere, and a healthy eating gift may be the beginning.
A gift for proper care
When health issues do arise that require hospitalization or surgery, it is important to seek out the best care available. This can mean turning to others who have the knowledge, experience and equipment needed for an effective recovery at a short-term care facility. Give yourself the gift of an effective return to a healthy lifestyle.
One of the most respected short-term care facilities on the North Shore is Whitehall of Deerfield, where guests can be assured of top-notch care. With excellent outcomes and a resort-like setting, Whitehall of Deerfield has consistently received Medicare’s highest rating in Medicare’s five-star rating system of nursing and post-hospital rehabilitation centers. Whitehall of Deerfield is ranked among the top 1% of all post-hospital rehabilitation centers in Illinois — and has received U.S. News & World Report’s “Top Performing” rating. Learn more about the individualized, one-on-one therapy programs, world-class amenities and COVID-19 safety measures by visiting WhitehallofDeerfield.com or calling 847-945-4600.
—Judy Buchenot for Whitehall of Deerfield