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december 98

Fresh food of the month clubs are wonderful. You can order vegetables or fruit and extend the holiday giving over a year If your friend lives in a cold climate think of warm gloves, thermal socks, cashmere scarves, or warm hats. These will keep the winter breezes out and the stress on organs lower. Exercise machines are welcome. Make sure you select an appropriate one in terms of space needed and skills. Hire a personal trainer for a number of sessions. There is no better way of saying 'I love you and want you to live a long life' than to share good health. No personal trainer, try a membership at a health club. No health club, how about a series of massages, facials, etc? If the person with diabetes needs to be in contact with others because of health issues, think of a cell phone or pager. Both will help allay anxiety when they are alone. If you have youngsters on your list, how about lessons in Karate, dancing, fencing, basketball or whatever? A good book on health written by a major teaching hospital to use as a reference is always helpful. An indoor grill or a grooved pan to use on the stove for cooking -- the lines on the meat are worth it as the fat drains away. If the diabetic works, buy them a slow cooker. They can leave for work in the morning and come home to dinner at night. Give the gift of travel to an important person in your life. Plane tickets and hotel reservations in a special city or resort will be welcomed. How about a weekend or week at a spa someplace you've always wanted to visit? One of those new small cameras that take both regular and wide angle shots might be just the thing. What could be easier than a camera that fits in your pocket and that takes panorama shots of scenic views or the whole family at a reunion? A small color TV for the kitchen makes cooking more tolerable to those who can't miss a favorite show. A garage door opener for the person who has difficulty raising and lowering theirs will always be welcome. Nowadays this is more a necessity than a luxury, so if Mom doesn't have one, now is the time to get her one. A new bicycle or other sports equipment for anyone on your list. is another thought. All of us have old athletic 'stuff' in the garage, but the technology has made them obsolete. Find out what sport turns him or her on, and buy the newest gadget or equipment you can find. A gift of music is a joy. Send tickets to the symphony, the opera, a rock concert, or to a jazz festival. Donate money to your friend's favorite charity in their name and enclose that notice with a small gift or holiday card. Give hand, feet and body creams to your friend with diabetes. This will help with dry skin and allow for easier glucose monitoring, but more than that, it will make your friend feel good. If all else fails and you can't think of anything to buy, try our new cookbook , The Joslin Diabetes Quick and Easy Cookbook, or our first one, The Joslin Diabetes Gourmet Cookbook. Both make wonderful gifts that continue to give all during the year.