You know that each month we share an article on exercise because of its importance in controlling both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. You only have to read these articles to know that we exercise every day to keep fit. So this month we are going to share a list of gifts you may wish to give to a special person who has diabetes and who exercises on a regular basis-hopefully all of you out there.
Let's start with the most obvious gifts that will bring a smile to those who receive them. My first great gift is a gift certificate to a local health club. Please read our last month's article on hospital based heath clubs so that you will understand the benefits of such a gift to that loved person. By the way, while you're at it, why not a membership for yourself?
My second suggestion is a group of exercise lessons at a private studio. These may include yoga classes, pilates, healthy stretching, body sculpting, or even water aerobics for that friend who needs the buoyancy of the water to be mobile. If you can, why not help someone set up an at-home gym. Do read our articles on this subject so you have information before you go shopping for a treadmill or some other machine.
Now, lets get into equipment and clothes. Remember the article we shared on those large balls? What a great idea for sit-ups and stretching as well as a long list of easy exercises. How about a medicine ball for someone who needs to work on balance and arm strength? Did you take yoga classes? Then purchase a sticky mat and blocks, both of which will allow for home practice. More equipment in this one. Let's look at weights here. Start with light weights, a mat or bench and then add leg weights. Add an exercise book. There are lots of these available and your friend will have a leg up on body sculpting.
Does your friend walk? Buy a pedometer for your friend. The one from Weight Watchers tells you how many steps you walk, and the mileage and calories you've burned. Do purchase a book on exercise and walking for your friend. We all need an update on our favorite form of exercise. Don't purchase weights for your friend who walks. The experts we spoke to do not suggest these. Want to spend a bit more for the gift? How about a gift certificate for a great pair of cross trainers? If your friend walks as often I do, this will be a welcomed gift as these shoes do wear out.
Still more equipment and clothing here. We just completed 2 articles on skiing and safety. Skiing is an expensive sport so any gift will help. You can purchase anything from a lift pass, to ear warmers, to gloves, to a new pair of boots. Why not buy something for après ski? A new sweater or warm shirt would also be welcome. Since most ski resorts have pools, find a great swim suit or cover up for your friend. They also have ice skating so a gift for that sport would also be appropriate.
We love golf and often give golf related equipment to friends who play. My female as well as male friends love embroidered towels, or golf sweaters, shirts and personalized balls.
For the person with diabetes who exercises, life is not just, "Let's go." We have to pack up supplies before we go. My small insulin cooler is a lifesaver as I do not worry about insulin getting too warm in hot weather. These are easily purchased and make a wonderful gift.
We also need to pack glucose tablets and other supplies, so a new fanny pack will come in handy. Here they can pack extra meds, glucose monitor, carbs, and those always needed Band-Aids for everyone out there. Why not purchase a really great one that fits your friend's personality, knowing that it can be responsible for keeping your friend safe while exercising? Do look for waterproof packs for your friends who like water sports. They may not wear it in the water but it could get wet near to the water.
Does your friend exercise all year long in a climate that changes? How about a winter warm-up outfit with layering so that they can shed a layer or two as they run or walk?
One of the things that people with diabetes do when they exercise is to monitor their blood glucose levels. Why not give your exercising friend one of those very small glucose monitors that they can fit in that fanny pack or in a pocket? I always thought one glucometer was enough, but having one prepackaged in my exercise bag means I can decide to exercise and go.
Jewelry is always welcomed at holiday time. We get e-mails about how to purchase those stainless medical bracelets or necklaces. These are available at drug stores; I've even seen brochures in doctor's offices. You fill out a form that tells strangers taking care of a person his/her physician and medical conditions so if your friend or loved one has an emergency, they will be treated properly. The information is mailed in with an emergency phone number for their doctor so that emergency personnel can call and get the information they need in a timely fashion. Time will not be wasted making diagnoses nor will improper medication be given if your loved one can not speak for him/herself. You can also visit a jewelry store to purchase these in gold or silver, however, do know that these do not hook up to a medical service with all of the medical information. They have a place on the back to list medical diagnosis and perhaps physician phone number.
If you know a little one with diabetes that has an insulin pump look at our Just For Kids article for this month. You'll find an article written by two mothers who developed special attire for childen with insulin pumps. You know we have never before asked someone to contribute an article who is also selling something, but please read the article and you'll know why we were so impressed. The web site is a joy.
I would think about purchasing the latest and best book on diabetes and how to live with this 24/7 disease. Make sure the book you select matches the age and interests of the person who will read it. I know having a book around for those questions makes all the difference in the world, in a pinch or on the weekend when office hours at the doctor's office are impossible.
Get a membership in the ADA or the JDF for your loved one if they don't already have one. This says a lot about you and your support of these fine organizations. Give a donation in honor of the person with diabetes to a medical organization of your choice. It may be one that does research on diabetes, but also heart or kidney disease charities may be appropriate if the person has developed a diabetic complication. To be honest, any donation to a legitimate charity that you feel will be welcomed can warm the heart at this season of giving. In our community we ask friends to give to a diabetes clinic for the working poor that I had the honor to start. For these people, their visits and free medications mean the difference between buying food for the family or chem strips and medications.
Finally, we suggest that with every gift you include one of our healthy cookbooks written for those with diabetes. Why not? You can order them from Amazon.com from our web site or at just about any good book store across the country. It's our business and we know our three cookbooks can change the life of the person with diabetes as well as family members. We get wonderful letters from people who have our books that tell us their families can eat together for the first time in years. This makes us very proud.
BSP
