HEALTH NUTS GO TO THE TOP: Health Magazine recently featured a section called “hot hot hot.” In this article the fashion editor pulled together items that protect consumers from the damaging rays of the sun. There was a full page devoted to headwear called “Tex appeal” that featured Western straw hats (they called them the summer’s surprise hit). Hat featured were from Kathy Jeanne, Helen Kaminski, Shady Brady and San Diego Hat Co. The article also told readers how to pick a hat for maximum sun protection. Contact Health Magazine at (212) 522-9400.

THE CONSUMER WANTS IT THEIR WAY: Nike footwear recently opened a Nike iD lab that gives jaded consumers the chance to design their own one-of-a-kind shoes. Customers get to select style, material and color to custom design shoes. “The trend for customization is definitely about a growing indie spirit in a sea of mass,” said John Jay, the executive creator director at Wieden & Kennedy, who handles the Nike account. I have talked about this public obsession with “having it your own way” in our restaurant column in the past.