Give the Gift of Health this Christmas!

If you’re stuck for ideas for Christmas gifts, try these tips for some healthy Christmas giving from Interior Health.

A Healthy Heart - Swap that box of chocolates for a basket of fruit. Within the Interior Health region, only 37% of men and 50% of women eat enough fruits and veggies necessary to prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Instead they get about one quarter of their daily calories from low-nutrient foods high in sugar and fat.

A Healthy Body - Passes for the local rec centre or fitness club can be a great motivator. Or a pair of new runners, walking sticks, or a guidebook on local free hiking trails might also help your loved ones get moving. In Interior Health, about 40% of the population does not get enough exercise to keep their hearts healthy. In Canada, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Canadian men and women, and approximately 25% of these deaths are the direct result of sedentary living. Lack of exercise can lead to chronic illness like heart disease, high blood pressure, or even diabetes.

A Healthy Mind - Books, crosswords, puzzles, or word games help keep the mind active for both young and old alike. For the elderly, reading helps stimulate the brain, keeping you sharper. For the very young, reading to your child every day has great benefits. The number of words a child hears from another person in their first years of life is one of the best predictors of intelligence, school, and social success.

Active Teens - Buy certificates for activities like bowling or laser tag or swimming passes for your local rec centre. Buy two so your child can take a friend. In BC, 58% of youth aged 12-19 are not active enough for optimal growth and development.

A Dazzling Smile - For a clean smile and fresh breath, stick some new toothbrushes and floss in your Christmas stockings. For best results, replace your toothbrush the minute it starts to show wear and tear. Keep extra floss in your purse or car for a quick floss after meals out.

For the Mom-to-be - Why not a cookbook? In North America, approximately one in five women don’t gain enough weight for a healthy pregnancy. Expecting moms really are eating for two!

Fun with Friends - How about a gift certificate to your favourite coffee house, movie passes, or local plays? Spend time with your friends and have some laughs. Laughter does the body good. It relaxes your muscles, gives your heart and lungs a good workout, and may help lower your blood pressure.

Rest and Relaxation - How about a spa gift certificate or some bubble bath and candles for the gift of relaxation. And don’t forget to look after yourself – a bit of down time helps us to be better prepared for the hustle and bustle of Christmas!

Spread the Joy - And for the person who has everything, why not a donation to a local charity in their name? After all, isn’t that the reason for the season?

From all of us at Interior Health, we wish you a joyous and healthy Christmas holiday season!