The first Friday of each February is set aside to raise awareness of heart disease in women. One of the ways we honor the day is to wear red, wear red anything. We want red to become the color associated with women’s heart disease like pink is for cancer.
Many are surprised to learn that heart disease causes more deaths of women annually than all types of cancer combined. Education is the key to moving women to action. Women tend to pass off symptoms, instead going on with their busy lives.
And remember, if you are not feeling well and you do decide to get checked out, do not drive yourself to the hospital. Instead call 911. That way treatment will begin on the way to the hospital and the ER will be prepared for your arrival. With heart disease, time is the enemy. The more time before treatment begins the greater the chance to destroying irreplaceable heart muscle.

We are celebrating Valentine’s Day at the Historic Heights with a romantic dinner, complimentary champagne and flowers, gourmet breakfast and lots of time to be together. Price is just $149 per couple. If interested, make your reservations now.

But what is the history of this special day we celebrate once a year? We find there is not one history everyone agrees to but several. Let’s take a look at one of the ideas today and others over the next few days as we get close to the day when red hearts, flowers and chocolates say I Love You to almost everyone.

The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

More tomorrow on the blog.

Did you know we express our love for another person in a variety of ways? And how we feel love from another is different also.

Dr. Gary Chapman categorized the way we give and receive love into 5 categories as follows:

1.Words of Affirmation-compliments, encouragement, requests rather than demands.
2.Quality Time-spending time together sharing, listening and participating in joint activities.
3.Gifts- visual symbols you care, showing the relationship has value.
4.Acts of Service-should be given and received freely, not coerced.
5.Physical Touch-from the lightest touch on the arm to the most passionate kiss.

As we think of what we want to do for Valentine’s Day to show the ones we love how we feel, knowing what is their Love Language is important. Dr. Chapman has written a book titled The Five Love Languages. It is a fun read.