Hearts are Everywhere!

Valentine’s Day is in just a few days (a reminder as well for those who still need to run out and get something for that special someone. If anyone is trying to think of something for me, these have caught my eye – Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate).

However, with all these hearts hanging in every storefront and commercials encouraging me to buy everything for my valentine, the one thing that stands out is the heart itself. The heart holds so much symbolism – from romantic true love to the very essence of our health. Appropriately, the American Heart Association has declared February American Heart Month.   

There is a lot we can do to improve our heart health and it is another one of the benefits of the small daily changes we promote on our site, Twitter, and Facebook.  We will continue to have daily actions that encourage heart and overall health throughout the year.

The challenge is to take that next step beyond yourself and go out to donate blood for your community. You are adding more movement to your day, concentrating on what you are consuming, reflecting through prayer or meditation – all of which are great things to do for your heart.  Now, here is chance to make the world around you better by donating blood to a complete stranger.  Plus, according to livestrong.com, donating blood has some positive health effects as well. 

Although Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly, you have all month to do this great self-less act.  So we encourage you to make an appointment to donate blood, organize a blood drive yourself, and encourage those around you to do the same!

Here are some resources to help you find a way to donate blood:

• American Red Cross - Donate information or go to their website: www.redcross.org

• American Heart Association – has information on other ways you can help it you are unable to donate blood – www.heart.org

• America’s Blood Center – for more information on other ways to donate blood in your community as well as a helpful FAQ – www.americasblood.org

We’ll be donating on Saturday at LifeShare – pictures to follow. Let us know how you decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day - whether it was by donating blood or enjoying dark chocolate.

.:MF