PPB January 2019

“Health promotional products is a very broad category,” says Kathy DiFrancesco, outside sales manager for West Jordan, Utah-based supplier SnugZ USA. “You can accomplish a lot of education through these kinds of promotional products, which encourage people to look at different aspects of their health.” Gwen Brey, marketing coordinator for New Ulm, Minnesota-based supplier Beacon Promotions, says health promotional products can be used by any market that is concerned with promoting good health. “The promotions are unlimited, as this subject matter can be tied into many different themes, causes or events,” Brey says. “An apple slicer could promote healthy eating, a cooling headband for promoting walks or runs. These items let the recipient know that the advertisers care about them.” Christopher Duffy, MAS, director of marketing for Saint Louis, Missouri-based supplier Ariel Premium Supply, says the typical clients who buy health products are those who run corporate wellness programs, along with insurance companies, hospitals, fitness centers, charities, doctor’s offices and rehab centers. “Many of the promotions are for employees or members who are participating in a group event,” Duffy adds. DiFrancesco agrees that corporate wellness clients are the most popular type of client that purchases health promotional products, along with health care clients. “Corporate wellness is so top-of-mind now,” DiFrancesco says. “Sitting is the new cigarette. There are all types of campaigns that use promotional products that try to encourage, remind and reinforce this message that we’ve got to move.” Wellness incorporates not just physical health, but also mental health. “Mental wellness is very important now,” DiFrancesco adds. “There is a very large market for that. You’ll also see health care products being used a lot for awareness-type campaigns.” What types of health promotional products are trending right now? Duffy has seen a rise in tech-inspired items in this category. “Digital fitness trackers are replacing traditional pedometers, and performance fabrics like copper-infused cooling towels trend better than cotton towels,” Duffy says. “Also, personal-care products like lip balms and sanitizers are including more organic ingredients than ever before. And hot/cold packs are being developed with more unique materials like a pliable clay.” Here’s To Your Health More than two-thirds of people surveyed said they regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress and 73 percent regularly experience the psychological symptoms of stress, according to 2017 stats from the American Psychological Association. Brands can show how much they care by providing promotional products that help alleviate stress such as the Heart-Shaped Stress Ball. It’s the perfect giveaway for healthy New Year’s resolutions or at the start of a new diet or healthy lifestyle. Chocolate Inn / PPAI 111662 / www.chocolateinn.com Skin needs to be protected year-round from the sun and this Broad Spectrum Formula Suncreen shields both UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging. The formula meets FDA requirements and comes in a frosted glass bottle with an easy-to-use pump. Hit Promotional Products PPAI 113910 www.hitpromo.net | JANUARY 2019 | 45 GROW