Health beat: Love your health on Valentine's Day

Celebrate love and good health yourself, or with family and friends.

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day on your own or with someone else, take steps to be a healthy valentine. Challenge yourself to be active, healthy and smoke-free.

* Treat yourself and loved ones to a heart-healthy meal that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and foods low in saturated fat and salt.

* Plan an event that encourages physical activity and healthy eating.

* Give yourself or your loved ones a favorite healthy alternative to candy.

* Promote the health and well-being of children and adolescents.

* If you smoke, quit smoking. It's a perfect gift for yourself and others.

* February is American Heart Month. Help raise awareness about heart disease prevention. Encourage yourself and others to learn about how to lower heart disease risk and take action. Join Million Hearts.

* Learn the most common symptoms of a heart attack. Call 9-1-1 immediately if these symptoms occur.

* Send a health-e-card from cdc.gov to show someone you care about them and their health. Health-e-cards are also available in Spanish.

* If you prefer a traditional card, include a note that encourages your family and friends to take steps for a healthy life.

Health Beat is a weekly spotlight on a wide range of health issues. The information contained here was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. View the CDC features online at www.cdc.gov/features.