(KUTV) Heart disease is still the number one killer of Americans, so this holiday season, why not give a loved on a gift to help keep them healthy?

Whether they are a family member or a friend, we have some gift ideas for people of all ages.

Gifts for your family and friends can be straight from the heart, to the heart, says cardiologist Dr. Gina Lundberg.

She says everyone can benefit whether they’re age seven or 70.

“Heart-healthy holiday gifts for children can range from baseballs to bicycles. When children start out with healthy habits in their childhood, they carry them out into their adult life,” Dr. Lundberg says.

She suggests winter walking gear for both the athletic type and those who aren't.

“Not everybody's ready for an exercise program. Some people just need to start with walking. A great way to log how many steps you walk a day is a pedometer. Ten-thousand steps a day is ideal, but you could start with a much lower number,” Dr. Lundberg says.

But for that on-the-go, stressed out person, think of candles and things that will help them unwind.

“When you've been stressed out all day, even though you may come home and relax, it’s still has an effect on your heart. All day long your blood pressure's been high and your heart rate's been high,” Dr. Lundberg says. “Make sure you tell them, ‘this is because I love you so much and I want you to stay healthy for a long time.’”

(Copyright 2012 Sinclair Broadcasting Group)

Healthy Christmas Gifts