Healthy Father's Day: Gift Ideas for Dad

In June we celebrate all the men in our lives. We're spreading awareness for health and prevention as part of Men's Health Month and Father's Day is just around the corner. This year, don't just give Dad the typical gifts but give him the gift of health. We've put together a list of some of the best gifts for Dad this year and ways you can help him become more proactive when it comes to his health.

1. New Scale

For the dad who's watching his weight and looking to lose, a deluxe scale could be just the thing he needs to keep him on track. 

2. Fruit of the Month Club:

This club will give Dad a new, fresh fruit each month to help him with a healthier lifestyle and better eating habits. Handpicked fruits fresh from the orchard will be delivered monthly.

3. Fitbit

Get dad fit with the Fitbit Charge —ideal for dads looking to lose a few. It provides detailed information regarding steps taken throughout the day, calories burned and stairs climbed and analyzes sleep quality. Both devices also will connect with his smartphone in order to transmit data wirelessly to the mobile app and provide call alerts when someone dials the phone. 

 

4. Nest Thermostat

This device is proving that our homes are getting smarter, saving us money and improving our health. The Nest Thermostat is loved by owners and will help keep air conditioning bill at bay this summer. This device can be controlled over WIFI using a smartphone or tablet.

5. Screening and Prevention Guide

For men in their 20s: 
-Complete physical every three years 
-Get blood pressure checked every year 
-Cancer screenings every three years particularly for thyroid, testicles, lymph nodes, mouth and skin 
-Cholesterol test for total, LDL and HDL (the good kind) every three years 
-Testicular self exam every month

For men in their 30s 
-Complete physical every 2 years 
-Get blood pressure checked every year 
-Cancer screenings for thyroid, testicles, lymph nodes, mouth and skin every three years 
-Cholesterol test for total LDL, HDL (the good kind) every three years 
-Testicular self exam every month

For men in their 40s 
-Get blood pressure checked every year 
-Cancer screenings for thyroid, testicles, lymph nodes, mouth and skin every three years 
-Cholesterol test for total LDL, HDL (the good kind) every three years 
-Testicular self exam every month 
-Complete physical every 2 years 
-Baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE) 
-Stool test (for colon and rectal cancers) every year

For men in their 50s 
-Get blood pressure checked every year 
-Cancer screenings for thyroid, testicles, lymph nodes, mouth and skin every three years 
-Cholesterol test for total LDL, HDL (the good kind) every three years 
-Testicular self exam every month 
-A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy (for colon cancers) every three to four years or as recommended by your healthcare provider 
-PSA and DRE exam every year

6. Vitamin Guide for Dads

VITAMIN D

  • Most men can benefit from taking 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily
  • Many men do not get enough exposure to the sun, which is needed for the body to produce vitamin D
  • Hard to get enough vitamin D from food
  • Vitamin D becomes even more important with age, because it's needed to absorb calcium and helps prevent weak muscles and bones
  • Recent research also suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk for colon cancer, and one study found that men with low levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to have a heart attack as men with normal levels
  • Too much vitamin D can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, so you should stay below 2,000 IU unless your doctor advises otherwise
  • Good food sources for vitamin D include salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, milk, cheese, egg yolk, orange juice, yogurt, and fortified breakfast cereal

FOLATE FOR HEART HEALTH

  • Folate, or folic acid, is one of the important B vitamins
  • The recommended amount for folate is 400 micrograms a day, which you can get from eating a few servings of leafy green vegetables or beans daily
  • Folate may help protect men and women from heart disease because it prevents the build-up of homocysteine, a substance that your body needs to build protein but that can lead to heart and blood vessel disease if produced in excess.
  • Folate can be included in your multivitamin, but you should not have to take extra dietary supplements unless your doctor says your homocysteine is low. 
  • Too much folate may increase your risk for colon cancer.
  • Great sources of food for folate include lima beans, spinach, asparagus, oranges, strawberries, and avocado

VITAMIN B12 FOR A HEALTHY NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Older men may have an increased need for vitamin B12, which boosts brain health.
  • Vitamin B12 supports the normal functioning of the nervous system, including memory
  • Depression and dementia are symptoms of a low serum B12
  • The recommended amount for B12 is 2.4 mcg daily, which you can easily get from your diet. 
  • One serving of fortified breakfast cereal will provide all that you need.
  • B12 may be included in your daily multivitamin. 
  • Although high doses have not been shown to be harmful, you should not need to supplement this vitamin unless your doctor recommends it.
  • Good food sources for B12 include salmon, shrimp, beef, chicken, clams, eggs, milk, and cheese

VITAMIN A FOR VISION AND A GOOD IMMUNE SYSTEM

  • Vitamin A is important for maintaining good vision
  • It is also known as the anti-infective vitamin because of its role in supporting activities of the immune system
  • The recommended daily intake of vitamin A is 3,000 IU
  • Too much vitamin A can cause nausea and vomiting and result in weak bones
  • Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States — you should get plenty as long as you eat your fruits and vegetables. It may be in your multivitamin, but you should not need any additional supplements.
  • Good food sources for vitamin A are carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe, broccoli, eggs, milk, and cod liver oil

VITAMIN C FOR HEALTHY AGING

  • Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that serves a protective role in the body by neutralizing free radicals that want to attack healthy cells
  • Essential building block for good nutrition.
  • Not enough vitamin C can result in anemia and scurvy. Scurvy is still seen in some malnourished older adults.
  • The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for men is 90 milligrams (mg) a day.
  • Too much vitamin C will not hurt you, because your body can't store it, but it can give you an upset stomach. 
  • Taking a multivitamin and eating your fruits and vegetables is all you need to do to be sure you get enough of this nutrient.
  • Good food sources of vitamin C include oranges, bell pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, kiwi, lemons, limes, cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple, and asparagus