Father's Day gifts that will keep Dad happy and healthy

June 16, 8:54 PMLA Diets ExaminerLorie Dudley

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This Father's Day, encourage the men in your life to protect their health by making smart lifestyle choices including: eating well, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, and reducing stress. Here are 6 Father's Day gifts that will let him know you love him and care about his health and happiness.

1. Pedometer. A pedometer is an affordable gift that makes it fun to get into or stay in shape. Research shows that using pedometers and setting a goal, such as walking a specified number of steps every day, promotes weight loss and other health benefits. The OMRON HJ-720ITC is a great pedometer that is highly recommended by many fitness enthusiasts.
2. Wii Fit. The Wii Fit encourages exercise via a video game system that is connected to your television. Players can choose from 40 different exercise games in four categories: yoga, aerobics, balance, and strength training. While experts may not have determined if it can actually help people lose weight and increase physical fitness, it's a great place to start, and some exercise is better than none.
3. Exercise for the brain. Mental exercises that challenge and engage our minds can slow the loss of synaptic connections associated with natural aging. "Exercises" such as crossword puzzles, Sodoku, reading, and chess are like "super foods" for the brain. "Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day" for Nintendo and DS was designed to give your brain a mental workout and is a gift that Dad can take anywhere.
4. Heart rate monitor. A heart rate monitor provides feedback so that you can determine if you're exercising within your training zone or at a level needed to achieve your fitness goals. A basic heart rate monitor that measures heart rate through a chest transmitter, sending data to a receiver on your wrist or mounted to cardio equipment, is the OMRON HR-100C.
5. Hammock. Research shows that stress appears in some individuals as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardio risk factors such as addictions and obesity. A hammock is a great gift that will give Dad years of stress-free enjoyment.
6. Books. Think of these book suggestions as preventative medicine for Dad:
   • The Male Body: An Owners Manual
   • American Medical Association's Complete Guide to Men's Health
   • The Eat Clean Diet for Men

Some of the greatest gifts in life don't cost a thing. Invite Dad for a walk, a game of chess, or catch in the backyard; the simple gift of time together is one of the greatest gifts anyone can receive.