Fathers Day Gifts: For The Health Conscious Dad

Day 3: Father's Day Gift Guide
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Women are twice as likely to seek out preventive care than men are -- but that doesn't mean that the men in our lives shouldn't, or don't, care about staying healthy.

As part of our series on healthy gifts for dads this Father's Day (Sunday, June 19, 2011), we've collected these gift ideas to promote his overall health and wellness.

While a brand new tie is all well and good, these ideas will help your father stay healthy, slash prostate and skin cancer risk and ease chronic pain. Now that's love.

PLUS: Feeling lucky? Enter for a chance to win the ultimate Healthy Dad Gift Package -- which includes sneakers, athletic clothing, a Tupperware lunchbox and a massage gift certificate -- here.

A New Coffee Maker(01 of06)
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Turns out a coffee break may be good for Dad's health -- a recent study found that the more coffee men drink, the more they can slash their risk of developing prostate cancer. The findings come on the heels of numerous other studies linking a cup of joe to health benefits, including staving off Parkinson's disease (in men only) and diabetes.Upgrade your dad's standby coffee maker with a newer model (skip the fluffy frap/latte/whip options, as they'll only pile on the calories and fat), or get him a single serve maker to keep at the office (like this one, for instance, or this one). The corresponding World's Greatest Dad mug is optional.Too much caffeine, though, can have negative consequences, so encourage him to enjoy in moderation -- the prostate cancer study also found the same effects with decaf, so he can have his coffee and drink it, too.
Massage Gift Certificate(02 of06)
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A truly good rubdown is about so much more than a pampering day at the spa -- studies have linked massage to numerous health benefits, including easing pain, soothing sports-related injuries, controlling blood pressure, boosting immunity and helping with symptoms from cancer treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.You can contact your local salon or spa to get a massage gift certificate, or find one online at SpaFinder, which can be redeemed at thousands of spas worldwide, or Massage Envy, which has locations in 44 states.
Red Wine(03 of06)
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Instead of a case of Dad's favorite beer, why not purchase some red wine this year?Certain components of red wine are thought to be good for the heart, possibly boosting "good" cholesterol and keeping artery damage at bay -- good news for fathers, as heart disease remains the number one killer of men. And even if wine isn't his drink of choice, some research has found similar benefits with other types of alcohol. The key, of course, is moderation, as over-indulging can have serious health consequences. And if Dad doesn't drink, there's certainly no reason for him to start.
Water Filters(04 of06)
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Drinking plenty of water can help to flush out toxins and carry nutrients throughout the body. But many Americans are actually dehydrated.Remind your father to get plenty of fluids throughout the day with a new water filter -- either one that fits over the sink to filter all water or one that he can throw into the fridge. If he has an office, you may want to try a free-standing water filtration system or, if he tends to be on the go, one of the new water bottles that has a filter right inside of it (like this one from Brita or this one from WaterBobble).
Acupuncture(05 of06)
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Acupuncture is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine and has been scientifically linked to possibly benefiting several health conditions, including chronic pain.If Dad has a longstanding sports injury or back pain problem, try getting him a few acupuncture sessions for Father's Day -- ask him to clear it with his doctor first, though.
Sun Protective Clothing(06 of06)
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Each year, more than two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. And while much attention has been paid to the rapid increase in women with melanoma, the most common (and dangerous) form of skin cancer, men are also at risk. Of the 68,130 cases of invasive melanoma in 2010, roughly 57 percent were expected to be men. And, also according to the 2010 projections, roughly 65 percent of those who die from melanoma are men. Caucasians and men over 50 are especially at risk.Dad's probably sick of hearing the ubiquitous "wear sunscreen" mantra (even though, of course, it's important). But protective clothing can be just as important of a step in keeping his skin safe during, say, a mid-afternoon golf game or a weekend sporting event.Proper sun-protective clothing will list a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) on the garment (check out these detailed guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission).For good measure, throw in a hat (to protect bald spots and the face) and maybe even a bottle of sunblock.

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