Your heart may belong to a certain someone this Valentine’s Day, but it is up to you to keep that loving heart in good shape. February is American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day is a great time for a heart-healthy gift.
Patient First suggests treating your special someone to a gift that is heartfelt and good for the heart. Express yourself with one of these gift ideas:
- Get cooking – Many restaurants offer heart-healthy menus but you have more control over what goes into your meal by cooking it yourself. Give your loved one the gift of healthy cooking classes. It is a great way to taste new food, learn something that will last a lifetime, and give you an excuse for a romantic candlelight dinner at home.
- A heart-healthy workout – Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and provides countless heart-health benefits, but it is not limited to a gym. Does your Valentine like to go dancing? How about a long, romantic walk? Get out, get active, and get healthy.
- Massage – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that relaxation and stress relief are important for good heart health. Massages are not only relaxing, they also stimulate circulation through the use of heat and pressure, thus helping rid the body of toxins.
- Sweet stuff – Does your loved one crave something sweet? Try a beautiful fresh fruit basket instead of a box of candied sweets with added sugars.
- Kick the habit – Give up smoking for your loved one or help them kick the habit themselves.
Affairs of the heart are not limited to Valentine’s Day. These steps will help you be a healthy valentine every day of the year:
- Know your blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
- Keep your weight under control. Obesity raises the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and diabetes.
- Know your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol raises the risk of heart disease.
- Reduce your salt intake.
- Reduce stress to help lower your risk of heart disease.
Recent Stories
Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), a state agency that plays a key role in shaping rail transportation across the Commonwealth.
U.S. Post Office at 16 Lichfield Boulevard in Stafford County is partially closed today due to a power outage, according to paper signs posted on the doors.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Forest Park High School has earned top honors for its commitment to sustainability, while four other Prince William County high schools were recognized for excellence in STEM education.
Drivers planning to use the Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on Independence Day should be aware of a modified reversal schedule designed to accommodate holiday traffic headed to the nation’s capital.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
