Cool gifts can be good for health, too

No doubt, Scottsdale's shops can provide the WOW! factor for this gift-giving season. But the most valuable gift may be the one that improves health. Here are some tips for giving healthy additions to anyone's Christmas stocking.

Hot yoga class card, $30 and up: Yoga is one of the most effective and fastest growing fitness activities in the country.

Bikram Yoga Institute teaches "hot yoga," which is done in a room heated to at least 103 degrees. The method is therapeutic for those with arthritis-related ailments and is an all-around work-out for anyone. The studio offers a variety of gift cards.

A five-class package costs $90. The classes are each 90 minutes long and cover 26 poses.

The studio also offers gift cards for a weekly group acupuncture session at $30 each on Saturdays. Thirty-day cards are also available for new students for $30; they cover a class a day for a month.

The studio is on the northeastern corner of Miller and Indian School roads, Scottsdale. Information: 480-946-2116 or www.bikramyogainstitute.com.

Gentle yoga package, $56 and up: Yoga Village offers gentle yoga classes a week for people who want a lower energy experience, such as seniors and those with injuries. Instructors teach alignment principles, basic poses and breathing techniques that reduce stress and increase flexibility. The classes serve as an introduction for those who aren't sure they can do yoga.

Packages start at $56 for five classes. Yoga Village studios are at 8241 E. Evans Road, D-103, Scottsdale, and 16913 E. Enterprise Drive, Suite 102, Fountain Hills. Information: 480-905-8801 or www.yogavillage.net.

Women's health, on the go, $75: Time may be the most valuable commodity in the 21st century, and also a poor excuse for not pursuing wellness. For women who can't find time for health screenings, Scottsdale Healthcare offers the Working Women's Wellness Package one Saturday a month. The 90-minute $75 appointment provides women with an overview of their health status. It includes a cholesterol check, body composition analysis and bone density screening, topped off with a manicure at the Essential Touch Wellness Center, the day spa at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea, 9003 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. Information: 480-882-4636.

A "wellness card" for weight loss, $200-$375: Scottsdale Healthcare also offers programs tailored to individual men, women and children for weight loss. A professional team that includes a registered dietician, mental health professional and exercise specialist addresses all aspects of weight management. Classes and appointments are held frequently at the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea campus and offsite. A five-appointment wellness card costs $200; 10-appointment card, $375.

Information: Heidi Donovan, 480-323-3901 or www.shc.org.

Natural Inspiration, range of prices: Audubon Arizona looks out for the health of our feathered friends, who in turn help keep human spirits up.

This weekend, birds' best friend is holding a "Gifts From Nature" sale, featuring the work of artists and craftspeople who take their inspiration from nature.

An advanced sale at 5-9 p.m. Saturday, starts with a $25 donation to Audubon and includes an artists reception and a preview of the arts and crafts, plus wine, coffee, hot cider and hors d'oeuvres. Reservations are required. Information: 602-468-6470 or GiftsFromNature@audubon.org. Latin Soul violinist Quetzal Guerrerowill play, and illustrator Sylvia Long will sign her books at both.

The public sale will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the historic Cattle Track Compound, 6105 N. Cattle Track R at Miller Road and McDonald Drive, Scottsdale.

Heartfelt gift: Mayo Clinic of Scottsdale, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, is offering its new one-day "Heart Health and Performance Program" package for $1,300 during the holidays and a brief period beyond. The package includes visits with a nurse practitioner, dietician, exercise physiologist and a test that determines vascular age plus lab work. Results of the exams are communicated at day's end by a heart physician. Patients receive a Mayo fitness book, tote, fitness belt and water bottle. Information: 480-301-8216.

Skin care: Mayo will hold a skin care products sale for Mayo patients on the afternoon of Dec. 18, with 10 percent off the cost of medical-grade products. At the sale, in the Mayo Clinic Specialty Building at 56th St. and Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix, patients can get a free skin consultation by a plastic surgeon. Information: 480-342-2971.

Gift therapy for cancer patients: Tina's Treasures Boutique offers gifts for cancer patients, survivors and their families. Staffed by specially-trained clerks, Tina's Treasures offers a variety of specialty items, including aromatherapy products, nutritional supplements, bath and beauty products, relaxation CDs, audio books, sun protection skin care products, and special bras, camisoles and wigs. The boutique is at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, 10460 N 92nd Street, Suite 100, Scottsdale. Information: 480-323-1990.