Heraldnet.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009 7:21 am
LocalNorthwestNation & WorldPoliticsSpecial ReportsPhotosColumnistsMultimedia 
Blog
The Mudrakers
Chickens take over garden cleanup
Blog
Theresa Goffredo
Celebrating birthdays
Your town news
Support Groups
Judyrae Kruse
Reader recipes and more from Food columnist Judyrae Kruse.
•Latest: Fruitcake recipes for those who love it
Sharon Wootton
Sharon Wootton writes about outdoor activities.
•Latest: Ice crystals in sky form a huge ring around the moon
 
WEEK IN REVIEW
Saturday
Two dead, two injured in Lynnwood car wreck
Accident near Poulsbo kills Marysville man, inj...
Icy conditions lead to numerous wrecks on count...
Friday


Salish Sea: Huge body of water now has common n...
Cost of dispute falls on Monroe
Lawsuit blames county and weed inspector in man...
Thursday


Nursed to health by volunteers in Lynnwood, sea...
Everett boy left with brain damage; father face...
Monroe must fill $290,000 gap in budget
Wednesday


81 veterans' names, 81 meaningful lives honored...
USO singer's voice still charms them in Edmonds
Monroe honking case makes it to state Supreme C...
Tuesday


Fire destroys Emory's restaurant
Peggy Pritchard Olson always put Edmonds first
Camano Island burglaries spike: Is Colton back?
Monday


Tree clearing, mud slide angers Everett neighbor
Later start for school day unlikely in Marysville
Hopes for Snohomish excursion train may hinge o...
Sunday


Glacier Peak freshman overcomes jitters to win ...
Gay marriage issue can wait, say Referendum 71 ...
Cities across south Snohomish County see tax re...
 

ADVERTISEMENT

Living   Print This Article  Email This Page  Subscribe Now! facebook digg reddit del.icio.us fark stumble

 
ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
CONTACT THE HERALD
Melanie Munk, Features Editor
munk@heraldnet.com
 
Published: Tuesday, December 2, 2008

4-to-be-fit gift guide

Most families have either a clean freak, a health nut or both, and we at Good Life understand they need gifts too. With that in mind, Part 2 in our holiday gift guide tackles the healthy and the hypochondriacs alike. This short series continues in Good Life through Saturday. Check back in the coming days for suggestions of culinary treats, toys and outdoor extravaganzas.

Herald writer Andy Rathbun

Sensor Soap Pump by Simplehuman ($40)

What: Pumping soap can be gross. After all, you know the hands that touched the dispenser last weren't clean. This sensor-activated pump helps avoid even the whiff of cross-contamination.

Upside: A timer lets you know how long you're washing your hands, in case you have a problem with that, and four different settings determine how much hand soap -- or lotion, or dish soap -- comes out of the pump.

Downside: It needs four AA batteries, which aren't included. Also, while we haven't tested this device, we suspect you can accidentally trigger the dispenser, causing a glob of soap to fall out as you reach for your toothbrush.

Wii Fit ($90)

What: Wii Fit turns the video game experience into a workout by using a computerized balance board, which monitors your weight, and exercise programs, such as yoga and strength training.

Upside: Odd as it sounds, this system makes working out fun. Seriously. It tracks your weight over time, provides exercises that can bulk up your muscles or improve your balance, and helps you set reasonable goals. It also comes with games that simulate skiing and soccer, for those times when you're sick of push-ups and yoga poses.

Downside: This isn't a stand-alone item. You need a Nintendo Wii ($250) to use it.

Speedo Speed Socket goggles ($25)

What: Michael Phelps' record-breaking performance at the 2008 Olympics led to a swimming boom, and these goggles, worn by the Olympian, are bound to be a hit with any swimmer.

Upside: A low-profile design gives you good peripheral vision, while the shatter-resistant anti-fog lens also provide UV protection.

Downside: As Phelps proved during one race, even goggles like this can leak.



"You: The Owners Manual" ($27)

What: Slowly but surely, this guide to the human body is becoming like "The Joy of Cooking" -- a must-have book that explains it all in simple terms. The newly updated edition of "You" includes a chapter on everyone's favorite organs, the liver and the pancreas.

Upside: Co-written by Dr. Michael Roizen and frequent Oprah guest and Esquire contributor Dr. Mehmet Oz, the book explains how the body works from head to toe, and then delves into topics including diet, cancer and exercise.

Downside: Like Oprah, the authors' message can be empowering ("YOU control your healthy destiny," "YOU can choose your age") to the point of irritation.

Andy Rathbun, arathbun@heraldnet.com, 425-339-3455

READER COMMENTS
Be the first to comment.
You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet.

To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click hereLog out

1. Lake Stevens neighbors protest loss of left turn off Highway 9
2. Police look into fire at Emory's restaurant in Everett
3. Man who died from fall identified
4. Mural memorializing fallen soldier lost in effort to fix Silvana building
5. Marysville-Pilchuck comes up short in battle of unbeatens
6. 'Twilight' tourism
7. Accident near Poulsbo kills Marysville man, injures five
8. In Forks, it's always Twilight
9. Expect wintry roads at passes, dusting of snow on Snohomish County hills
10. Icy conditions lead to numerous wrecks on county roads
Enterprise Newspaper Snohomish County Business Journal
Memorial for Peggy Pritchard Olson set
Bazaar Fever
Hawks proud of historic season
Olson always put Edmonds first
Honoring student veterans
‘Wheedle' author comes to Lynnwood bookshop
Mavs build early lead en route to easy win
Prep football games of the week (state playoffs)
Tears of laughter, tears of grief
The Enterprise Online Newspaper


$2 OFF
at Box Office

25% off Bath & Groom
New Customers

Free Garlic Bread/Free Soda
Click here for details!

15% Off Your
First Time Purchase

All you can Eat Buffets
Angel of the Winds

$5 OFF
Lunch or Dinner

Buffet Dining
Tulalip Resort

QuadraFire Save $250
Free Smart-Stat

Great Food
24 Hours a Day

50% off 2nd Pizza
Special Click Here!

Come and Relax
Monthly Specials

FREE Appetizer with any
purchase daily 2-6pm

Free Dessert!
Click here!

20% off Click Here*
Buy 1 Offer Click Here*

Family Night Free Sundae
$9.99 Prime Rib

$5 Off
Stylecut

$1 off French Dip
$4.99 Burger Basket

Oil - Snohomish County
Low Prices - Fill Now!

Lube, Oil & Filter
Buy 1 - Get 1 FREE

FREE 6 lb. Pad w/
30yd Carpet Purchase

Pacific Northwest
Fresh Cuisine

FREE Appetizer w/
purchase of 2 entrees

Island Flavors with
Finest NW Ingredients

20% Off Dinner
Up to $75 Value!
Top Cars
Top Homes

ADVERTISEMENT