February 11, 2013

The Art of the Heart

We interrupt this weight loss blog series for a Valentine's message!
While V-Day often conjures images of sappy consumerism, there are some related health lessons.
- Hearts:  February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease & stroke are leading causes of death both locally & nationwide. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk.
- People we care about:  Having a good support system (like friends & family) is proven to extend & improve the quality of your life. Expressing gratitude also benefits all involved.
- Red:  The color red is associated with passion & increased energy levels. In sports & politics, red is viewed as a confident & powerful color that often leads to success.

========== For those who celebrate ==========>

Need gift ideas for a health enthusiast?
***Caution-- Buying healthy items for uninterested people who you want to be healthier can be dangerous. Please tread lightly!***
- Healthy snacks (e.g., fruit basket, dark chocolate, lightly salted or unsalted nuts, plain popcorn with some healthy flavoring ideas, etc.)
- Healthy cookbook (professionally published or homemade filled with your favorite recipes)
- Fitness apparel (e.g., running socks, moisture wicking shirt, yoga pants, etc.) 
- Workout music, exercise DVD, or home fitness equipment.
How about a Health Department pedometer (only $15 including tax)?
- Stress relief or relaxation gifts (e.g., massage, spa basket, coupons to baby-sit or do chores to give someone else time to themselves, etc.)
- Take a class to learn a new skill or enhance an established one (e.g., cooking, fitness, hobby, stress management, etc.). Check out Vance Granville Community College's personal enrichment or online (ed2go) classes.
Help someone. There are many health benefits associated with helping others (whether loved ones or strangers). Short on money? Donate your time, energy, ideas, or elbow grease instead. Or, save a life by donating blood to the Red Cross.

Feeling creative? Check out many healthy children's class gifts on Pinterest

Click on this link to send a free Valentine's Day e-card from the Centers for Disease Control.

Healthy Valentine's Recipe Ideas (many include desserts!)
Parade
Food Network (chocolate & non-chocolate dessert ideas)
Babble (ideas for kids)

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