Pomegranate. An easy, inexpensive and healthy gift, the pomegranate is a traditional Christmas fruit symbolizing fertility and birth. Loaded with antioxidants and thought by many to prevent some types of cancer, pomegranates are tasty as garnishes or as a standalone snack. I advise collecting the seeds of a few pomegranates and packaging them in a festive tin to avoid gifting the sometimes frustrating task of harvesting pomegranate seeds, trust me, my stained white t-shirt and I know how hard it can be.

Yoga class gift certificate. Yoga is a calming way to get in shape and all you need is some comfortable clothing, free carpet space and the proper instruction. Nowadays yoga-specific gyms and classes are easy to find and always welcome beginners. Yoga offers amazing workouts ranging from weight-loss and muscle toning to stress relief and physical therapy. Yoga can also vastly improve your ability to regulate your breathing which can have beneficial effects for other fitness activities such as running or bicycling. Personally, I do a simple 15-minute yoga routine every morning to alleviate stress and prevent my sciatica (a lower back issue) from flaring-up.

iPod watch band. Many people think running is boring and I agree with this opinion. One way I have found to alleviate my boredom are these watch bands. They are secure ways to fasten an iPod nano or other device to your wrist and are a safer alternative to holding your expensive smartphone in your slippery hands while running. Having a “soundtrack” while you run can mean the difference between a tedious exercise routine and a fun workout. Plus, I’ve found listening to music can help my pacing and breathing. Give the gift of music “on-the-run” to those on your list who need a little extra help to get up and go.

Badminton. Badminton gets you out of the house and moving. It has a forgiving learning curve and can be an addicting way for two or more people to cooperatively get a light workout. Target, Amazon and other retail stores have reasonably priced badminton sets. It can be played with or without a net so finding a court can be as simple as walking out your front door. I recommend this especially for family or friends who appreciate low-impact sports that are easily enjoyed.

Coffee. Coffee is another healthy and relatively inexpensive gift. As a native of northern California, I am used to freshly ground beans brewed in a French press. Using my new drip coffee maker is somewhat melancholy. Give the gift of gourmet coffee, or if you want to spend a little more, a nice new French press. Although more studies need to be conducted, recent research about the health benefits of coffee indicate that it may reduce skin cancer, prostate cancer and uterine cancer risks.

Bicycle. Bicycles are fantastic gifts for so many reasons. They can cut the cost of commuting and keep you trim and, compared to a car, upkeep costs are minimal. Bicycles vary widely in cost, so you don’t have to break the bank to give the gift of two wheels. Dutch bicycles are all the rage on the West coast these days. They offer an easy ride, large wheels and chain guards so you don’t have to worry about dirtying your nice clothing. Check out local, independent bike shops for deals on new and used bicycles.

Another good place to find healthy gifts while supporting a good cause is the Prevent Cancer Foundation Shop for Prevention page. You can pick from a variety of products that are good for your loved ones and support cancer prevention and early detection research, education, advocacy and community outreach.

This holiday season you don’t have to give predictable fitness gifts to your friends and family to keep them healthy. Think about exploring some of these options to give the gift of having fun while staying fit.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation applauds Realm Music Group and Ricki Eric for their generosity and commitment to cancer prevention and early detection. Stop cancer before it starts and participate in the upcoming golf outing or purchase Ricki’s latest album. Please take a moment to watch the video about what else Realm Music Group and their artists are doing to “Rock the Fight” against cancer and for prevention and early detection.

It’s that time of the year again when we start checking the store circulars for the best deals on holiday gifts for our friends, family and co-workers. This year you can shop with a purpose by shopping with Prevent Cancer Foundation Shop for Prevention friends and partners that have agreed to designate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their items to benefit Foundation’s cancer prevention research, education and community outreach programs.

Ann Kulze, M.D., renowned authority on nutrition, healthy living and disease prevention, motivational speaker and Prevent Cancer Foundation board member, has partnered with the Foundation to bring you two “must have” items for the holiday season.

Eat Right for Life, is a blueprint for healthy eating and the perfect gift to start the New Year. Scientifically based and spelled out in a way that is easy to understand and easy to follow, “Dr. Ann’s” strategies will help you feel great for good – and stay well for life. For every copy of Eat Right for Life purchased $2.00 will be donated to the Foundation. Just remember to enter coupon code PCF511X3.

Custom trail mix company My Mixed Nuts and Dr. Ann have collaborated with the Foundation to create the Prevent Cancer Foundation Trail Mix, a healthy and delicious snack anytime of the year and the perfect gift or stocking stuffer this holiday season. For each bag of Prevent Cancer Foundation Trail Mix sold, $1.00 will be donated in support of the Foundation’s programs for the underserved.

Still surfing the net for the perfect gift? Use search engines GoodSearch and GoodBuy that let you shop and support the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Just remember to designate the Foundation as your charity of choice.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation has also partnered with eBay Giving Works so you can shop or sell to support the Foundation through eBay. Remember to designate the Prevent Cancer Foundation as your charity of choice and a percentage of the sale will support the Foundation.

Give the perfect gift and support cancer prevention and early detection this holiday season by visiting the Prevent Cancer Foundation Shop for Prevention page frequently. We would love to hear from you when you use the Shop for Prevention page. Tell us what products or shopping methods you like the best. Your feedback and comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Happy Shopping!