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Health & Fitness

Have a Heart Healthy Valentine's Day

Patient First offers ideas for a healthy Valentine's Day.

Your heart may belong to a certain someone this Valentine’s Day, but it’s up to you to keep that loving heart in good shape all year long. February is American Heart Month so Valentine’s Day is a great time for a romantic, heart-healthy gift.

• What’s 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. Many restaurants, schools and organizations offer easy classes on how to cook healthy food. It’s 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 isn’t limited to a gym. Does your Valentine like to go dancing? How about golf? Get out, get active and get healthy with them.

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• Massage – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that relaxation and stress relief are important for good heart health. You can melt that stress away with a couples’ massage.

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