Looking for something different to give this Mother’s Day? Dark chocolate in moderation or a basket of fruit are healthy choices, but here are some new ideas to show her you care.
*Sun protection: A gift of fashion can also protect her from the sun’s damaging rays. The American Academy of Dermatology says that more than 2 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States.
*Wide-brimmed hat: Protect both her face and the back of her neck.
*Sunglasses: The best block both UVA and UVB ((Ultraviolet rays). Choose regular polarized lenses to cut glare or photochromic lenses that darken in bright light.
*Shirt with UPF fabric (Ultraviolet Protection Factor): These provide light, breathable protection from the sun. Shirts with a UPF rating of 40-50+ will block more than 97% of UVA and UVB rays, even after two years of wear.
*A journal: Ann Douglas, parenting expert, mother of 4 children and author of The Mother of All Books series, says, “Journaling is a great tool for problem solving. Research shows measurable health benefits to putting pen to paper. It reduces stress and gives your immune system and other body systems a break.”
*A good night’s sleep: We spend about a third of our life in bed and proper sleep is important for good health. A lack of good sleep on a regular basis can is associated with chronic conditions like diabetes, higher blood pressure and heart disease.
*Neck pillow: An old pillow flattens over time and should be replaced if it fails to spring back after it has been held folded in half for thirty seconds, or after two years of use. Try a new curved foam neck pillow, which will support her head, neck and shoulders for proper spinal alignment.
*Memory-foam mattress: The memory-foam distributes weight evenly to relieve pressure on joints and spine, ideal for those with arthritis or back pain or anyone who wants a deeper, more restful sleep.
*Sleep on It: Load up this free mobile application on Mom’s smartphone. Created by GE healthymagination and MedHelp, this app can help her take control of her sleep patterns. She can track number of hours slept, how well she slept, identify triggers for bad sleep and see details of her sleep cycles over time.
*New Fitness Gear: Moms who are fitness fanatics will appreciate new gear in the latest colors.
*Running shoes: experts recommend that distance runners should replace their shoes about every 400-500 miles, because the cushioning and motion control decreases over time even before the shoes look worn.
*Bike helmet – The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute recommends new models for 2011 that have a rounder, smoother profile. Many states and jurisdictions have laws requiring the use of bike helmets. Both the CDC and the WHO recommend that cyclists of all ages should wear a bike helmet.
*New Fitness Class: Shake up Mom’s fitness routine with a trial class for a new workout.
*Jukari Fit to Fly or Fit to Flex classes. Cirque du Soleil and Reebok have launched the latest fitness craze – workouts that use dance trapezes suspended from the ceiling. Jukari classes provide cardio, strength and core training in a fun new format. Classes are available in major cities around the world including 13 U.S. locations.
*Zumba – these classes use Latin dance moves and international music for a fun, party-style atmosphere. More than 10 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages enjoy Zumba in over 90,000 locations worldwide.
*A girlfriend getaway: Why not plan a girls’ weekend away for Mom with her best friends? Douglas says it’s important to continue to invest in friendships “to reap tremendous dividends in terms of reduced stress and improved health.” Numerous studies confirm that strong social support reduces the adverse effects of stress on cardiovascular and immune responses.
*Laughter: You may be surprised to learn that genuine, voiced laughter actually burns calories. Laughing for 15 minutes can burn up to 40 calories, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity. Other studies show that laughter can relieve tension, boost the immune system, reduce stress hormones and help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Why not take Mom to the movies to see a comedy?
CONNECT THE DOTS
Learn more about protective clothing for sun safety. For more healthy gift ideas, see our Healthymagination post Healthy Holiday Gifts. Watch a Jukari class in action. Find more Healthymagination mobile apps to manage personal health, like Morsel for simple daily health tasks.
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