December 8, 2022 general

Since our health is (or at least should be) our most prized possession, it is something to keep in mind at gift giving times. The fast easy route is a gift card. The theory is that the recipient can pick whatever item they want. However, I always feel guilty with those. Seems kind of like giving them money…like I didn’t really want to spend much time thinking about what you’d like. To me, a good gift is something the person has wanted (or didn’t know they would like) but might not feel justified in buying for themselves. That said, I’ll admit I’m never mad at anyone who gives me a Chico’s gift certificate because that is an indulgence. And a dear friend has given me gift cards to Natural Grocers which is both generous and health focused. At the end I have a funny idea, but first some gifts to build health that you might not have thought of and why I think they might be good. Yes, I know. I’m sorry I didn’t think to do this earlier…maybe this is just early for 2023?

Easy and typical but maybe not ideal: It is easy to think about how go along with someone’s vices…a box of candy, a bottle of liquor, etc. With office wear so informal these days, ties aren’t as popular.  TV commercials make us think that perfume is a must. However, fragrances bother a lot of people and are not even allowed in some offices. (And let’s be real, the recipient will not be transported to the magical places shown in the commercials nor will they suddenly look like the gorgeous models.)

Ancestry test. I gave husband Bill a genetic test and accidentally bought one for myself. It is not only interesting to find out your heritage (I had no idea I was 11% Norwegian) but it also can give you an idea what genetic health tendencies the person could be working to offset with diet, lifestyle and supplements.

Remedies.

• Infrared waves as in a far infrared sauna are good for the whole body. But, a person can also focus on a target area with a handy lamp. Aim the soothing rays at that sore neck, shoulder, knee, back or even monthly cramps. Support better vision or a healthier complexion. Speed healing or relieve sinus congestion. The list goes on. Save $ with the discount code HBNlamp. Link here. If you have questions or would prefer to place your order with Phil, call 626.200.8454
• Your recipient can feel refreshed. And remove airborne bacteria, viruses, odors, dust, pollen and other allergens from their air. ionbox devices are conveniently small. Even take one to the office and traveling. Much larger units are not as effective as ionbox. Ozone-free. No filters to change. ionbox.net. During the holiday season 2023, listeners can save $10 with the coupon code, HBN.
• Everyone gets sore sooner or later..sleep wrong, hit your back swing wrong,monthly cramps.A microwavable heat wrap is very comforting. I have one like this one that I just love.

SPECIAL INTEREST

If you know what your gift recipient likes to do, that should spark some ideas. Here is one: if he or she likes to garden, consider one of Howard Garrett’s (The Dirt Doctor) wonderful books on organic approaches for yard, garden and home.

FOOD-RELATED

• A very high-quality chef’s knife. Almost everyone needs to eat more vegetables. One thing that makes them a lot easier to prepare is a very sharp well designed and balanced chef’s knife. This is not an item to go cheap on because the better ones work better and last longer. This one is like my favorite*.
• Along those lines, cutting boards* that can go in the dishwasher are handy (I have some like this). I also like the idea of color coding boards* so, e.g. you know which one is for meat. Read this link about cutting board safety.
• For someone you know that needs more vegetables but is not inclined to spend more time in the kitchen, consider a delicious and easy supplement. I’m giving personal trainer Sweet Wheat and Bright Beets+ for Christmas because she is so health conscious. You could make a nice basket. For a special listener discounts call 888-958-5331 and mention Healthy by Nature.
  
• Instant Pot* makes it easy to prepare a meals, and thereby avoid fast food. (Be sure to check at Bed, Bath and Beyond for a sale and their 20% discount.) If the person already has one, perhaps a Instant Pot cookbook* for variety. (You could even put together a basket of ingredients for a recipe from the book.)
• Fruit – A box of Pears or even the Fruit of the Month Club from Harry and David is very nice.

BETTER SLEEP

• A sound machine is very soothing and covers up nighttime creaks, snoring and noises that might keep a person awake. They come in a wide price range. I read that pink noise is more restful than white noise and so we got this one* because it had that option along with many others such as ocean, rain, etc. but it is in the higher end of the price range.

BE ACTIVE AND MINGLE – being active and socializing are good for health. This list is just a starting point. Obviously, it will better if you know the recipients interests.

• Concert tickets
• Ballroom dancing lessons
• Pottery painting experience
• Novel folding exercise mat. Saw this on Shark Tank.
• Bill suggested I add “fitness club membership”. I say, if you want a punch in the nose, giving a scale would be cheaper.
• Something for travel such as covering the cost of TSA security precheck ($78).

JUST FOR FUN

• FYI, the gifts of the Magi gold, frankincense and myrrh were and still are all used in natural health.
• One year I got a big kick out of a holiday novelty. It was a plastic reindeer that “pooped” jellybeans. Here is a classier moose version in wood. Maybe you could fill it with vitamin C tablets.

* For clarity and reader convenience, I often link to good examples of what I’m talking about. I want you to know that HBN is an Amazon affiliate, meaning that when listeners buy anything using one of these links, Amazon pays HBN a small commission. (I mean small and that is if I’m even doing it right with their frequent changes. Every few months we might get maybe $15 or so but it all helps. I don’t take a salary, so it goes to support the show not to me.)