Nothing about back pain this time

From the Chicago Tribune, something differant

"Health and fitness gift ideas
In Sunday's Chicago Tribune, we ran a list of my 10 favorite health and fitness gifts under $25.

But if you can spend a little more, here are a few more ideas:

(I'll be updating this periodically over the next several weeks. Send your ideas to jdeardorff@tribune.com or add them to the comments below.)

Nike+ iPod Sport Kit ($29)
If you know someone who’s already navigating the lakefront with an iPod Nano, Nike+ is a possible gift option. Developed in partnership with Apple, Nike+ works with the nano to tell runners everything they need to know, like how far, how fast, calories burned and more. When runners get home, they can connect to nikeplus.com to see their stats, set goals, download music, challenge friends and compete in virtual races around the world. Available at Nike.com, Niketown (669 N Michigan) and select retailers.

Gift membership to the Active Transportation Alliance ($30)

Formerly known as the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the one-year membership includes a handy Chicagoland Bicycle Map, 10 issues of the ModeShift newsletter, discounts at more than 100 local businesses, and up-to-date information on biking, walking and transit in Chicagoland. activetrans.org or call 312-427-3325.

"YOU: BEING BEAUTIFUL" by Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz. ($26.95) The latest best-seller from the YOU guys who have entertained us about dieting, aging and how the body works. This time, they explain the biology behind looking, feeling and being our best. The book covers everything from the biggest manicure mistakes to how to beat back pain and improve your posture. Added bonus: Buy the book and quickly read through it for other gift ideas, including fresh walnuts, green tea, garlic, turmeric, chia seeds, pedicure tools, chin-up bar, exercise videos or an acupressure bracelet.

Art Dealer, $24.95. A favorite among the clever people behind "Marbles The Brain Store," Art Dealer is a CD created by a cognitive psychologist that uses scientifically-tested memory training principles to improve visual perception, memory and attention skills. In the game, you play an art lover who is given a once in a lifetime opportunity: To attend a series of private sales where you have a chance to buy over 1,000 masterpieces by 20 of the world's most influential artists. You can try and corner the market while managing your money and spotting forgeries. Works with all PCs (no MAC version yet) and adapts to a player's level of expertise. Marblesthebrainstore.com, 312-494-7769.

The Resistance Toning Kit $29.99. Designed to "strengthen and tone the entire body," the kit from the Chicago-based company Natural Fitness comes with a burst-resistant exercise ball, adjustable resistance tubes and ankle cuffs and workout DVD starring local fitness expert and certified trainer Andrea Metcalf. The products are non-toxic and phthalate-free and the resistant tubes are eco-friendly.Find Natural Fitness products at Relax the Back, 773-348-2225, Whole Foods, Chicago Home Fitness, 773-770-0162. For more dealer locations or to order direct, go to Naturalfitnessinc.com; 312-376-0206.

Healthgifts.com. ($24.95 and up). It's cheaper to make your own. But this eco-friendly gift basket company started by nutritionist Randi Luckman uses products from vendors with a commitment to the environment. They even use biodegradable packaging. Unlike most gift basket companies, HealthGifts is health-based rather than holiday-based and will customize a basket. "The ''Take Heart' basket "provides nutrients for the heart, as well as primers for stress reduction and cardiovascular exercise," said Luckman. "'Flash in the Pan' [for menopausal women] contains tools for combating cholesterol, cellulite, sleeplessness, and loss of bone density. Even 'Raising the Bar' ($24.95)— the chocolate-lovers basket — spotlights fairly-traded, organic cacao grown through sustainable resources." Call 1-866-574-9517 or go to the Web site.

Manduka's PROlite yoga mat ($68). An eco-friendly yoga mat with a lifetime guarantee. Has non-slip fabric and good cushioning. Here's where you can find it in Illinois.

PortaPocket, ($11 to $24). Have you ever pulled a tampon out of your purse thinking it was a pen? If so, try this strap-on carrying case with a detchable pocket that can be worn directly ON your person...over or under your clothes on your calf, thigh, ankle, arm, or waist. It's also good for IDs, money, credit cards, keys, make-up, etc. Kendra Kroll came up with the idea after dropping a tampon while in the free weight room at her gym. But it's not just for feminie hygiene. Sizes are available for passports, cell phones, music players--and even for medical devices like insulin pumps and inhalers. A size for an EpiPen is in the works as well. Visit or order at portapocket or undercoversolutions.com."
Bye for now
Paul