Health Conscious Valentine's Day Tips

Send a Health-e-Card to your valentine!
Spanish: ¡Envíale una tarjeta electrónica! www.behealthconscious.org

Whether you plan to celebrate on your own or with someone special, have a safe and healthy Valentine’s Day. Use these tips to give the gift of health to yourself and loved ones on Valentine’s Day and all year long.

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	Be heart-healthy. February is American Heart Month, and Valentine's Day is a great time to start taking steps to be heart-healthy. Prevent and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Limit alcohol use. Maintain a healthy weight. Be active. Eat healthy. Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death Heart Disease Prevention: What You Can Do Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack Women and Heart Disease Prevention
	Spread love, not germs. Protect yourself from the cold and flu. Wash hands often. Avoid close contact when you or someone you know is sick. Get your flu vaccines. Prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Abstain from sex. If you choose to have sex, use latex condoms which can lower the risk for STIs and unintended pregnancy. Having a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner may help lower your risk. Clean Hands Save Lives Take 3 Actions to Fight the Flu HIV and AIDS: Questions and Answers Sexually Transmitted Diseases Unintended Pregnancy
	Be prepared for travel. If you are going on a romantic getaway, be prepared. Are vaccinations required? Are there special items such as sunscreen or insect repellent that you will need? 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. Air Travel and Cruise Ships Travelers' Health Travelers' Health Kit Tropical Travel
	Go easy on the bubbly. If you drink alcohol, 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 or let others drink and drive. Women should not drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol: Frequently Asked Questions Impaired Driving Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
	Be safe. Gear up. Are you considering a new, potentially risky, or unsafe activity? Be sure to use appropriate safety gear, including seat belts, life vests, and helmets to help prevent injury. Watch the sparks. If you decide to cook a romantic dinner, light some candles, or have a cozy fire, don’t leave them unattended. Be aware. Women are more likely to be victims of sexual violence, including intimate partner violence, than men. Risk factors such as drinking alcohol and using drugs are associated with a greater likelihood of violence. Injury and Violence Fire Deaths and Injuries Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Sexual Violence Prevention Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter Weather
	Be sensitive. Consider that your valentine may have allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other health conditions.  You can be sensitive to your valentine by finding out if certain foods, flowers, pets, stuffed animals, or other items might affect their health. Asthma and Allergies Diabetes and Me Get Help for Depression and Anxiety Healthy Pets, Healthy People Content Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention