Thursday, February 9, 2012

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?

32 comments:

  1. Im spending Valentine's day in the office, then back to my house. I'm guilty of not exercising though *sigh*

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  2. Hmm, sorry about your dad. I really love the post, lets take care of our physical heart, not just the emotional heart.

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  3. I love d way @tilola put it. Both physucal and emotional heart need care.
    For me, i av a doctor's appointment on vals and i'm supposed to go back to work after. i mean seriously, who gives u an appointment on vals day :-)

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    1. You're single and i'm almost 100% percent certain the Doctor is single also.*now singing somenes got a vaaaaal*

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    2. ahahahah the doc i was supposed to c is a female (married even) but she was busy so i saw a *cough* cute male doc instead. Lets just say, i bought myself a cake and ate it all but u can sing cos i met another *cough* cute doc :D

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  4. This is something from the heart.

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  5. This is very nice Okeoghene.This is a reminder to lots of people who don't exercise and get active but love sitting around most of the time.I know it's very late,but i'm sorry about your dad.

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  6. Lovely reminder. There is a physical heart just as we have the emotional one and we need to take care of it. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. great post. I try not to stay lazy again. always active doing one thing or the other. and i can proudly say I have drastically cut down on my soda intake. love what u guys did for val last year. thinking of doing something a little bit similar this year.
    www.secretlilies.blogspot.com

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  8. Well written post. I would have wondered at my mom too if she did all that, but she sure had good intentions and now you understand. Thanks for the reminder. So sorry about your dad. My Val's day will be spent at work and then back to my home. Have a fabulous valentine day and enjoy the heart walk.

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  9. Nice post B.. very informative/ enlightening too. Thank you..

    I think its very easy to get caught up in this whole busy thing and disregard our body although a creative well built machines needs to have a me time and treatments to make it even berra..
    God will continue to help us to appreciate us..


    Pls Dont forget to come and visit my blog love ( i would love to hear ur opinions)xx

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  10. I love this post. Great and timely reminder. So sorry about your Dad. I'll be sure to do something 'active' on Tuesday. hehe.

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  11. So sorry to hear about your dad. We have been more active this year than ever before. After we went out for dinner today we went for a walk in the town center...it felt good to walk off some of our meal.

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  12. Such a lovely post. not much people have time to be active because they are occupied with one thing or the other, but its actually good to take a breather and re-evaluate our lives to live a healthier lifestyle.
    ps: sorry about your dad, and I hope you had a lovely vals day :)


    Fashion Rehab

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  13. Hear! Hear! That useless day put to good use at last.

    I'm sorry about your dad though.x

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  14. Great Post! These are things we have to remember. May your father rest in Peace!

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  15. Blessings.....
    I am not against holidays per say just the sentiment that seem to warrant a holiday to express love, be kind, loving and affectionate. Personally these habits, behaviors and ethos should be cultivated everyday, the way we treat others, value their time and committment shouldnt be on occassion dictated by society rather it should be a mode of being, an everyday practice of living.

    My condolenses on your father's passing. I think the way your mother did things in a way is to honor him by paying more attention to her health and those of the ones she loves.

    Stay blessed, have a splendid weekend and a fun filled week.
    rhapsody
    http://rappingonamelody.blogspot.com/p/savings.html
    http://www.shelfari.com/rhapsodyphoenix
    http://twitter.com/rhapsodyphoenix

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  16. Sorry to hear about the death of your father all be it many years ago. It's a bit late now but I spent Valentine promoting my 'Give a book, Save our Future' charitable campaign on TV station in London. More details on my blog.

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  17. How apt to use Valentine to raise awareness for the heart..nie one.
    My friend is big/fat and loves red palm oil. I'm tired of cautioning her about cholesterol and future heart problems.

    Your dear dear Mom. May his soul rest in peace.

    *adult fun* wink wink.
    How did it go this year? hope you had fun..

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  18. Aww so sorry to hear about your dad...

    sure u enjoyed vals day...seems like long ago already... :)

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  19. So sorry to hear about your father's death. This was a very thoughtful post, kudos!

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  20. Very insightful. Thanks for sharing another perspective.

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  21. I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Thanks for turning our gaze to making healthy choices. I love what you said: It is the heart that is alive that can still love. Very true.

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  22. I love how your Mom honors your Dad's memory by raising a healthy family. What a way to express love...
    Vals day seems so far away now. wasn't it only a couple of weeks ago?

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  23. sorry bout you dad. my val day was very boring

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  24. Yea, I know its past vals day...but here's a lesson for all-time... Thanks for sharing

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  25. Truly sorry about the loss of your dad, there's nothing like watching ones health, am learning everyday as well. This post is very important to everyone, thanks for sharing.

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  26. Oh my, so sorry about your Father's passing. Thank God for His sustenance and thoughtful Mother.
    Wow the lady that had a stroke at 26... so sad!

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  27. Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!

    It is the little changes that make the largest changes.
    Thanks a lot for sharing!

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