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ON FEB. 14,
hearts are the star of the show. Of
course, they don’t look anything like the real deal: the
hardworking muscle that sets the beat for life every
day, all year long.
To show your love for all the beating hearts you hold
dear, why not plan a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day?
These four ideas can get you started:
1
Roses are red—and so are strawberries.
Dip them
in dark chocolate for a delicious treat that provides flavo-
noids from the chocolate and fiber, phytochemicals and
potassium from the fruit—all of which promote heart
health. And for a meal that’s true to the day’s festive hue,
include dishes that feature red produce such as apples,
beets, cherries, grapes, peppers and pomegranate seeds.
2
Exercise is one key to a healthy heart.
So plan an
active date with your heartthrob. Skate hand-in-hand
around the local roller-skating rink. Try something
new together, like learning new movements at a yoga
class. Chop and stack wood for the evening’s romantic
fire. Dance the night away. And make a pact to exercise
together regularly.
3
Valentine’s Day gifts can
be both from the heart and for the
heart, especially if they help reduce
stress.
Although stress hasn’t been directly linked to
heart disease, it can cause heart-related health issues—
like higher blood pressure and damaged arteries.
Good gifts for reducing stress include:
●
●
A gym membership
●
●
A gift certificate for a massage
●
●
Some scented soap to use in a soothing bath
4
Kids are sweethearts, too.
To set a healthy example
for your little valentines, take them on an active family
outing every Feb. 14.
For classroom parties, help kids choose healthy
tokens of affection, like whole-wheat pretzels (the
heart-shaped ones, of course!) or mini boxes of raisins
decorated with seasonal stickers.
Valentine’s Day comes just once a year. But it’s a
great reminder to strive for a lifetime of healthy hearts.
Sources: American Heart Association; American Institute for Cancer Research; Produce for
Better Health Foundation
Always make the call first
What’s the first thing to do if you think you’re having
a heart attack? If you said, “Take an aspirin,” guess
again.
According to the American Heart Association, you
should:
■
■
Always call 911 before doing anything else. Don’t
make the mistake of thinking that your chest pain
may go away if you just take an aspirin. Waiting to
call 911 could be deadly.
■
■
The 911 operator may recommend that you take
an aspirin as long as you don’t have an aspirin allergy
or a health condition that makes taking the drug too
risky.
Read more about aspirin and your heart at
gvmh.org/aspirin .Additional source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
HEAD
What you may feel:
light-headedness
NECK
What you may feel:
pain or discomfort
LUNGS
What you may feel:
shortness of breath
BACK
What you may feel:
pain or discomfort
ARMS
What you may feel:
pain or discomfort
in one or both arms
JAW
What you may feel:
pain or discomfort
SHOULDERS
What you may feel:
pain or discomfort
CHEST
What you may feel:
mild or severe pain
or discomfort in the
center or left side of
the chest
STOMACH
What you may feel:
pain or discomfort;
nausea
Source: National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute
Symptoms of
a heart attack
Chest pain or dis-
comfort is the most
common symptom of
a heart attack. But
symptoms can be felt
in many areas of the
upper body:
BEYOND
the
CHEST
LOL FOR HEART
HEALTH
Laughing can
increase your good
cholesterol, decrease
stress hormones and
reduce artery inflam-
mation, all of which are
good for your heart.
And the effects of a
hearty belly laugh last
24 hours.
American Heart Association
HEART-HEALTHY
Valentine’s Day
F e a t u r e
HAVE A
Give your heart some TLC—
and your attention. Subtle changes
in your health can signal problems
with your heart. Learn what to look
out for at
gvmh.org/heartfailure.
?
Did you know that women may have different symptoms?
Test your heart attack IQ at
gvmh.org/heartattack-women.W I N T E R 2 0 1 7
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H E A L T H
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