ATHENS, Ohio -- As the holidays draw near we face the perennial challenge of finding gifts for friends and family that they'll enjoy and that we can feel good about giving. Following are some suggestions from the health professionals at the University Osteopathic Medical Center of gifts that emphasize good health. The list includes a number of suggestions that may require time or effort on your part, rather than money.

1. Active toys for children

Video games and television keep many kids immobilized at play. Encourage activity with toys that get kids moving. Choices include bicycles, ice skates, roller blades, scooters, jump ropes, hula-hoops, a basketball and hoop, football, soccer ball or volleyball, chalk for hopscotch. If you buy toys such as bikes or roller blades make sure you buy the appropriate safety equipment helmet, knee or elbow pads or whatever the sport requires. Supervise young children on riding toys at all times and make sure older children have a safe place to ride and skate.

2. Active toys for adults

Well, perhaps 'toys' is pushing it. But adults need an incentive to get off the couch just as much as kids do. Exercise bikes, ski machines, rowing machines, elliptical trainers and stair masters can all increase fitness levels if you use them regularly, Studies show that the treadmill is the piece of exercise equipment most likely to be used on a regular basis. It's simple to use; you can watch TV while you walk or jog; and you can start slowly and build up as your fitness level increases.

3. Gifts good enough to eat

Instead of sugary holiday cookies and candies, give friends and neighbors healthy home-made treats such as date-nut bread, a bean soup mix or an assortment of nuts and dried fruits. Friends and business associates will also appreciate a gift basket of tropical fruits, a case of mixed oranges and grapefruit or an assortment of nuts in a wooden bowl with a nutcracker. You can buy ready-made gift baskets or put your own together inexpensively. Or you can order fruits via catalog or the Internet for delivery anywhere in the country.

4. A massage

A therapeutic massage can loosen tight muscles and promote deep relaxation. Your local Y or health club may be able to give you the name of qualified masseuse in a particular area.

5. Membership in a health club

If your spouse or child wants to get started on a fitness program, a club membership with a personal trainer might be just what he or she needs. Be tactful when giving such gifts, however. It should be something you know the recipient wants and will use, not something you think is good for them.

6. A promise to walk with someone

If a friend or family member wants to exercise more but cost is a problem, give them a promise to walk with them at least three times per week. Julie, a stepmother to a plump 13-year-old girl, decided to improve their relationship by inviting Rebecca to walk with her several times a week. Rebecca was reluctant at first but came to enjoy the extra attention from her stepmother. By the time she started high school, Rebecca had gained enough fitness and confidence to join the cross country team. In her freshman year of college she ran the Chicago marathon with her stepmother cheering her across the line.

7. Cookware for healthy eating

There are numerous cooking utensils to help those trying to eat healthy and limit the fat in their diet. Possible gift choices include a vegetable steamer, a wok for stir-frying, a rice ball or rice cooker, a nonstick sauté pan or a fat-free grill.

8. A juice extractor

For those wanting to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet, a juice extractor turns fresh produce into vitamin-packed drinks.

9. A teapot with a box of green tea

Research continues to accumulate on the antioxidant and cancer-fighting benefits of green tea. Black tea shares many of the same benefits. Tea is also a delicious and relaxing way to end a meal.

10. A water filter

If you live in an area where the local water is high in mineral deposits, a water filter system offers a gift of clean tasting, sparkling drinking water.

11. Skin savers

There are countless products out there to soothe and smooth dry winter skin. Choose from body lotions and oils, skin moisturizers, exfoliants, sponges and loofahs.

12. A winter travel car kit

If friends or family drive on snowy roads in winter, put together an emergency car travel kit including a flashlight, blankets, a folding shovel and a bag of sand.

13. Respite care

In today's harried world, time is a precious gift. An evening, a day or a weekend of babysitting is a wonderful gift to parents of young children. For a relative or friend caring for an ill spouse or parent, taking over their responsibilities to give them a free afternoon every now and again or a chance to get away for a weekend will be greatly appreciated.

14. The gift of relaxation

A massage mat, a foot roller and other massage therapy products can soothe and relax tired and aching muscles. Classes, books and tapes on yoga, tai chi and meditation might inspire those seeking to learn ways to find inner balance.

15. Gardening tools

Gardening is a great source of relaxation and exercise but can be hard on aging bones and joints. Kneeling pads and special hand-grip tools designed for those with arthritis can help keep those with green thumbs smiling!

16. Manicure/Pedicure sets

Keeping hands, feet and nails trim and in good condition is easier with the right tools.

17. Cookbooks that encourage healthy eating

There are countless cookbooks that focus on various aspects of healthy eating. Salute to Healthy Cooking from the French Culinary Institute; New Diabetic Cookbook from Better Homes and Gardens; Five-Star Recipes from the authors of the now 10-year old Cooking Light and Madhur Jaffrey's World Vegetarian are just a few suggestions.

18. Indoor plants or bulbs

Indoor plants can lift the spirits during the long, dreary days of winter. Plants also increase humidity levels in dry winter months and serve as a natural air filtering system.

19. An active family vacation

If a vacation is part of a family gift, think about a destination that promotes activities that you can enjoy together such as swimming, hiking, biking, skiing or camping.

20. A donation

A gift in someone's name to an organization that promotes medical research in an area dear to them. A person who has lost a loved one to cancer or diabetes might appreciate a donation to an appropriate organization.

The UOMC represents multi-specialty, outpatient clinics located in Parks Hall on Ohio University's West Green, in the Medical Office Building at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, at Doctors Hospital of Nelsonville and the Public Square in Nelsonville, and in Coolville. Comprehensive care is provided to 100,000 area residents each year. More than 60 physicians, faculty at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, practice medicine at the UOMC in a variety of specialties including obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine, geriatrics, vascular medicine, ear, nose and throat, surgery, internal medicine, nephrology, pathology and osteopathic manipulative medicine.

The center also offers a comprehensive array of diagnostic services such as cardiovascular imaging, cardiac stress testing, electrocardiography, fetal monitoring, Holter monitoring, laboratory, radiology and ultrasound. The medical center also provides acupuncture treatments, a same-day ExpressCare clinic, counseling services and a variety of health screening services to the Appalachian community through a Mobile Health Van. Visit us online at www.oucom.ohiou.edu