Can a pair of shoes be good for you? Well, these shoes are good for your heart and soul, as well as your soles. For every pair you buy (for men, women, children), the company gives one to a child in need. Often, these are kids who have never had on a pair of shoes in their lifetime. Now that’s feel-good. Visit tomsshoes.com for more info. Available locally at Body O Soul at 5223 E. Second St. From $44.


If you’ve ever struggled with the diagnosis of a medical condition, you’ll know that on top of the worry, stress and emotional rollercoaster, there are huge amounts of information to keep track of. Medications, dosages, other treatments, appointments, keeping track of symptoms, contact information for your medical team, and so-on. This book is a handy and attractive resource to help keep everything running smoothly — a great piece in your healthcare toolbag. Available at chroniclebooks. com and locally for order at Borders and Barnes & Noble, $18.95.


There’s a funny e-mail that makes the rounds once in a while about instructions on how to give a cat a pill, that ends with you having to head to the hospital for stitches, and Fluffy still not getting her meds. Skip the frustration and marvel at the ease of giving your pet a pill, with Greenies® Pill Pockets®. Available at Pet Smart, 2550 Cherry Ave. Bag for dog or cat, $7.39.


If you ever stopped to think about what your family’s toothbrushes might be exposed to when stored in a regular open-top toothbrush holder, you just might want to use a fresh one every day. You don’t have to go that far to ensure hygiene and health, with the new Toothbrush Hygiene Helper on the market. Its design and construction stores four toothbrushes and keeps them covered, in a container with slots to provide air circulation and prevent mildew. Available at toothbrushhygienehelper. com, $19.95.


Just named the first official granola of Ironman® (the race, not the movie), this delicious cereal is enough to power you through your own rigorous schedule. It’s packed with protein (8 grams per serving), and supplies antioxidants and omega-3s. Try it as a delicious healthy breakfast with milk or yogurt, or a super-yummy snack eaten right out of the bag (snack paks are convenient to tote around for when you need a mid-day pickme- up). Available at area Ralphs. 12 oz. bag, $4.99. Dozen 1.5 oz. snack paks, $11.88.


Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil contribute to mental and physical health, by supporting the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response, nourishing the bones and joints, and strengthening the heart. A negative effect occurs though, when one takes oil products that are old and rancid. No fish oil quality standards exist in the United States, but this brand from Norway adheres to and exceeds the stringent Norwegian Medicinal Standard (NMS) and the European Pharmacopoeia Standard (EPS) for all their products. Available at Whole Foods at 6550 E. Pacific Coast Highway. 60-count, $26.99 and 120-count, $48.99.


Zico is touted as great for everything from replenishing electrolytes and rehydrating after working out, to a midday energy boost and even a natural hang-over remedy. Rich in potassium (more than in a banana) and low in acidity, coconut juice may be trendy to drink these days but it has been used around the world in various treatments for more than 4,000 years. To say nothing of the fact that it’s also delicious (particularly the mango flavor) and refreshing. Learn more at zico. com. Available at Whole Foods at 6550 E. Pacific Coast Highway. 11 fl. oz., $1.69.


Some might call it an “acquired taste” but the fact is, if you want to acquire better health, you won’t mind the taste. This living culture of beneficial microorganisms is cultured (think fermented, only this stuff ends up liking Bach – cultured…get it?) for 30 days, during which all kinds of really good things form. Like, active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols. Benefits are metabolic balancing and detoxification. Visit synergydrinks.com to learn more. Available at Healthway Foods at 435 E. Bixby Rd. $4.45.