The gift of health cannot be wrapped in a box, but it can be encouraged, says Steven Leers, M.D. a member of the Society of Vascular Surgery. “Instead of buying a sweater, buy a sweat suit,” says Dr. Leers, a Pittsburgh-area vascular surgeon. “Encourage exercise and healthy habits that will lead to the sharing of more holidays in the future. Loved ones will appreciate your concern for their health and well-being.”
Gift ideas from the Society of Vascular Surgery include:
• A pair of good walking shoes
• Sports equipment, e.g., a basketball, football, bicycle, ice skates, skis
• Exercise equipment such as a jump rope, smart bells, exercise DVD or book
• Exercise apparel such as a jogging suit or swimsuit
• Action video game that requires movement
• A health club membership
• A healthy eating cookbook
• Exercise/health magazine subscription
• Membership in a fruit-of-the-month club
“For truly heartfelt gifts this holiday season, consider encouraging loved ones to remain active and fit,” says Dr. Leers. “For both children and adults, remain active is the key to maintaining good blood flow throughout the body.” Good blood flow is important for everyone. Clogs in arteries can result in a stroke, the fourth leading cause of death in American, according to the 2010 National Vital Statistics Report. Last year, 137,000 Americans died from stroke.
