The Fathers Day Gifts That Keep On Giving

The Fathers Day Gifts That Keep On Giving

Trying to figure out what to give dad this year? Another boring tie or golf balls? Why not give gifts that keep on giving?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a lack of exercise and good nutrition is responsible for approximately 400,000 deaths in the US each year. Help turn this statistic around by giving the gifts of health.

1. Get fruity. Make sure Dad gets his five servings of fruits and vegetables a day by giving him a fruit-of-the-month club membership. Many sources can be found on the Internet, with packages that last from three months to a year. To get dad to eat the fruit instead of letting it go bad, throw in some accessories like a peeler, a corer, a cookbook, or a juicer.

2. Bring dental hygiene into this century. There is a strong link between gum disease and blood clots that could lead to a heart attack or a stroke. One of the best ways to this is to brush for at least two minutes twice a day. Electric toothbrushes can do an excellent job of keeping teeth and gums healthy. Get a model that is programmed to operate on a two-minute cycle.

3. Get Dad moving. Help Dad get back into the world of the physically active and get him off the couch with a piece of at-home gym equipment. Treadmills and elliptical machines can be costly, but medicine balls, weights, and hand grips are priced more affordably and can be purchased at sporting goods stores or online. Just remember to get something Dada can easily use.

4. Baby steps. If Dad's been a couch potato for a long time, try starting him off with a pedometer, an inexpensive device that records the number of steps taken on any given journey. Some pedometers connect to their manufacturer's websites and sometimes provide exercise and nutritional tips, while keeping track of distance, speed, and calories burned on a daily or weekly basis.

5. Healthy brain cells. Gifts like novels, crossword puzzles, and books on tape can help Dad improve his brain function and think beyond his usual day-to-day routine. According to a 2006 University of Edinburgh study, these types of brain-enhancing pastimes may help him extend the longevity of his brain cells and, as a result, live a longer, healthier life.

6. Healthy and fun gadgets. Is Dad a gadget geek? Then check out gifts like Ninetendo's Wii Fit. This type of gift is a great way to keep him fit. Or, if he tends to forget to take pills or make doctor's appointments, consider giving him a six-alarm vibrating watch, an electronic pill case with timer, or another type of organization gadget. You can even purchase a personal digital assistant (PDA) and load it up with software that will remind Dad of all his medical obligations, such as medications, cholesterol screenings, and prostate exams.

The gift of health keeps on giving. It keeps Dad feeling better and stronger which in turn gives you the gift of having Dad around a lot longer!