Happy, Healthy, Valentine!

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Be healthy and safe,
In all that you do!

Whether you plan to celebrate on your own or with someone special on Valentine's Day, give the gift of health to yourself and your loved one. Below are tips to help keep you and those you care about safe and healthy on Valentine's Day and all year long.

Be prepared for travel. If you are going on a romantic getaway, be prepared. Are vaccinations required? Are there special food, environmental, or other things you need to prepare for ahead of time? If you take medications, do you have enough for the trip? If you're going on a cruise, learn the sanitation inspection scores for specific ships. Know what's happening en route or at your travel destination.

Go easy on the bubbly. If you drink alcohol at any time, do so only in moderation. Alcohol misuse is now the leading risk factor for serious injury in the United States. It is also the third leading cause of preventable death. Don't drink and drive, and don't let anyone else drink and drive. Women should not drink alcohol at any time during pregnancy.

Be safe. Gear up. Are you considering doing something new and different, potentially risky, or unsafe? Be sure to use appropriate safety gear, including seat belts, life vests, and helmets to help prevent injury. Unintentional injuries kill more Americans in their first three decades of life than any other cause of death.

Watch the sparks. You may decide to cook a romantic dinner, light some candles, or have a cozy fire in the fireplace for Valentine's Day. Be watchful of anything that can potentially start an uncontrollable fire. Monitor candles, cooking areas, and fireplaces. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, and alcohol use contributes to an estimated 40% of residential fire deaths.

Be aware. Women are more likely to be victims of sexual violence than men. Intimate partner violence is associated with a variety of negative health behaviors, including drinking alcohol, driving after drinking alcohol, and taking drugs.

Be heart healthy. February is American Heart Month, so Valentine's Day is a great time to start taking heart-healthy steps. Control and prevent risk factors for heart disease to be a healthy valentine all year long.

• Prevent and control high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Be active.
• Eat healthy.

Be sensitive to your loved one. Does your valentine have allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other health conditions? Are they on a diet? Find out if certain foods, flowers, pets, stuffed animals, or other items might affect your loved one's health before you buy gifts, prepare food, or plan activities.

Spread the love, not the germs. Take steps to avoid getting or spreading germs and disease.

To protect yourself from the cold and flu, wash hands often, avoid close contact when you or someone you know is sick, and get a yearly flu vaccine.

The only 100% sure way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy is to not have sex. If you choose to have sex, using latex condoms and having a monogamous, uninfected partner may help decrease your risk.

Enjoy!

Source: Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov)