Valentine's Day and my Heart.

 pic source: google images

When February is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind  is Valentine Day, sharing love with others, listening to love stories etc. That is okay, but I will like to take a moment and think about something else this Valentine. I am thinking about my heart and the hearts of everyone.

My dad died after a heart attack many many years ago and we noticed a change in the way my mom did things around the house regarding what we ate and exercise we got. It became very important to her. My mom who would not eat without adding extra salt to her food, almost stopped using salt to cook. If she hears that you sat down all day watching tv or reading a book instead of getting active, you had to run round the compound till you broke a sweat. I thought she was a bit mean then. My young mind rationalized that daddy had little or no rest that was why he took ill. I am resting well, why couldn't she just let me be?
Then I had a colleague who at 26 had a stroke. She just woke up one morning and couldnt move any part of body.

February is  America Heart Month. Heart disease is the highest cause of death in America so there is so much awareness going on about prevention of disease and care of heart this month than ever. Though hereditary factors play a role in heart diseases, there are other factors that can put people at risk. These include but are not limited to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol abuse, smoking. These other factors can be controlled.

As we prepare for Valentine day we should not forget our hearts. We should remember to make balanced and nutritious meal choices, maintain a healthy weight  and be active. We should try to take even a little step in living a healthy lifestyle. Instead of soda with that delicious rice and chicken, why not have water instead? Walks though seemingly little will go a long way. Afterall, it is the heart that is alive that can still love.

Last year Valentine day, we stayed indoors, enjoyed one of our local delicacies with a bottle of wine and watched nollywood to our heart's content. After putting the kids to bed we enjoyed some adult time. This year, we are joining a group of church members on a heart walk and we might include some african club music to our dance instead of just the blues.

How are you spending Valentine's day?