0 How Healthy Will Your Valentine's Day Be?

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and with February being American Heart Month, this is a great time to take steps toward heart health. Make your Valentine’s Day present to yourself and your loved one a gift of awareness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests 7 gifts of health for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

·         Be Healthy: Prevent and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Also avoid smoking, limit alcohol use, maintain a healthy weight and be active.

·         Be Nutritious: Eat healthy and consume less salt.

·         Be Germ-Free: Protect yourself from the flu and colds.

·         Be Prepared: If you are going on a romantic getaway, be prepared and know what health related information you need for the area you are traveling.

·         Be Sensible: According to the CDC, alcohol misuse is now the leading risk factor for serious injury in the U.S. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and don’t get behind the wheel.

·         Be Safe: Protect yourself from injury and violence, watch the sparks from the kitchen, candles and fireplace, and be aware of your surroundings.

·         Be Sensible: Find out if your valentine has allergies, asthma or other health conditions that may affect the gift you’re giving.

If one of your plans for Valentine’s Day is to prepare a meal for your special someone, EatingWell.com has an enticing Valentine’s Day collection of healthy and delicious recipes. Check out the healthy dinner recipes for two, as well as decadent deserts that won’t add inches to your waist.

Whether you plan to celebrate on your own or with a loved one, make it a safe and healthy Valentine’s Day.