Christmas
Gift Ideas
By Dr. Jeff Bartlett
 As
you know by now, at curveshealthclub.com
we like to think outside the box.
As the holiday season approaches, many people struggle to
come up with interesting new ideas for gifts. Don’t
want to give Dad another tie? Mom still hasn’t opened
the perfume you gave her last year? Maybe it’s time
to think outside the traditional holiday-wrapped box.
We all put significant value on our health, especially as
we get older. Have you ever thought about giving someone a
gift that reflects this care and concern? Let us reveal a
host of gift ideas that promote health and wellness. Practical
gifts that will rejuvenate and re-energize your loved ones
will be enjoyed and appreciated throughout the coming year.
Here are 5 Ideas that may help you through the often stressful
task of finding that next perfect gift:
- The gift of time - Time is such a precious
commodity. We can all appreciate that work, family, and
chores tend to use up the majority of our time. So what
could be better than giving someone you love the gift of
time? For example, create a handmade gift certificate that
reads:
a. “Good for a night of babysitting.”
b. “Good for one day of housekeeping.”
c. “Go and treat yourself to a spa day.”
-
The gift of knowledge - Buy a gift
certificate at your local book store. There is nothing
better than a good book. Consider that individual’s
hobbies and special interests:
a. Business person - Try self help books, motivational
books, and business coaching books.
b. Sports enthusiast - Sporting biographies and technical
skills coaching are a good bet.
c. The sensitive emotional type - Look for inspirational
books and romance novels.
d. The fiction follower - How about science fiction and
imaginative stories?
-
The gift of health - What could be more
important than the gift of health? If you were to ask
a hundred people “What is the most important thing
you could wish for your family and friends?”, the
most common answer is HEALTH and happiness. Therefore,
if there is anyone you know whose been neglecting their
health or is simply a procrastinator; why not take this
opportunity to motivate them to take care of their health?
The simplest and most affordable way to do this is to
offer them a gym membership. Sometimes it only takes that
initial boost to get them going, but what a profound effect
you could have on their lives. This is the perfect opportunity
to pass on the “Gift to Amaze”.
Curves is offering its members a FREE one month gift certificate
to extend to family members and friends this holiday season.
Please speak to your local Curves staff for details.
-
The gift of philanthropy - Nothing
transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary more directly
than action that is inspired by the desire to serve others
who may be less fortunate then you. You can simply volunteer
to help at a local soup kitchen or food bank, which is
truly a gift that keeps on giving. You are guaranteed
to walk away with your heart feeling rich and fulfilled.
- The gift of love and friendship - Christmas
is really about making memories with your friends and family.
Why not offer to spend some time helping your family and/or
friends with their Christmas baking, wrapping of presents,
or putting up their lights and decorations.
If we celebrate this season with a genuine desire to create
hope, happiness and health, we can truly experience the meaning
of Christmas. May you experience true joy and an abundance
of love and laughter this holiday season.
^top
Holiday Back Pain?
By Dr. Craig Bentham
 Well
the New Year is upon us and our focus has been on the hustle
and bustle of holiday parties and family gatherings, shopping
for gifts, and preparing food. Through all of the excitement
are you continuing to make your health a priority? According
to the American Physical Therapy Association, the holiday
season is a prime time for Americans to suffer from back and
neck pain. It’s very easy to forget about yourself as
your attention is focused on other people. So, here’s
the question we have for you today… is back
pain, neck pain or shoulder pain stopping you from doing the
things you love to do? Has lifting your grandchildren,
working out at the gym, gardening or golfing become a painful
task? Are you one of millions of people who are affected by
back pain and/or neck pain? Some people believe that back
pain is just something that you must learn to live with…
Does this sound familiar? “I just take aspirin for my
neck and back pain.” Are you masking the problem or
dealing with it directly?
The stress associated with extra obligations during the holidays
can increase muscle tension, aggravating an existing condition.
But there are also a number of common seasonal activities
- such as entertaining, shopping, and wrapping gifts - that
can lead directly to back and neck pain. Here are a few tips
from the American Chiropractic Association to help you stay
pain-free this holiday season.
At home (or visiting a friend or relative’s
home):
- Sit in a firm but comfortable chair, and pay attention
to posture while entertaining friends and family or watching
television. Spending hours on too-soft sofas in poor posture
can cause imbalances along the spine.
- Don’t cook, clean, and talk on the phone all at
once - unless you have a headset. Cradling the phone between
your ear and shoulder can lead to muscle tension and neck
pain.
While shopping:
- Make yourself comfortable. Prevent unnecessary body tension
by wearing supportive shoes and non-restrictive clothing.
- Leave your overstuffed purse at home. Instead, wear a
fanny pack or take a small wallet containing only the essentials
- credit card, driver’s license, and your gift list
of course.
- Don’t try to carry too much at once. Make frequent
visits to your car to unload bags, if necessary. For larger
items, don’t be shy - ask your sales clerk for help!
- Remember, shopping can be an endurance sport, so treat
yourself right after a long day of shopping. Stretch your
muscles and take a hot shower or bath to release tension
that may have accumulated during the day.
Wrapping gifts:
- Wrap presents at a table. While spreading out on the
floor may be fun and convenient, it encourages poor posture
and tension.
Don’t forget to put your Curves workout on your holiday
"To Do" list. The Curves program is the perfect
outlet for stress and a great program for strengthening your
back. The Curves workout is also a low impact, high resistance
activity that will ensure core strengthening and increased
nourishment to your spinal discs. It’s also essential
to get adequate rest and eat well in order to relieve stress
and tension during the holidays. Don’t put unrealistic
pressure on yourself to accomplish too many tasks in a limited
amount of time or to do everything to perfection. Remember
to relax and enjoy yourself. It’s one of the best things
you can do for yourself, your family, and your back.
^top
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