Hi, blog readers it's Maureen!  Valentine's Day has come and gone---pink heart decorations and heart shaped chocolates are all on sale now. But the entire month of February focuses on hearts, you know....this kind:

Not this kind:

February is Heart Health Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 Americans have some form of heart disease. It's the leading cause of death in this country.

I just got back from covering Mahaska Health Partnership's community cholesterol screenings this morning---and regular cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure checks are important to making sure your heart stays healthy---no matter how it might be feeling post-Valentine's Day.

But preventing heart disease involves more than trips to the doctor. Exercise and good eating habits are great preventative steps. And if you equate exercise with running for miles or lifting heavy weights, don't. That's fantastic if that's already part of your workout plan, but if not, there are other ways to get into shape. How about walking? Studies have shown that walking for 30 minutes a day cuts down your risk of developing heart disease. It's OK if you don't feel like you're ready to run marathons. No matter how slowly you run, jog or walk, just remember you're lapping anyone who is at home sitting on their couch!

And then there's healthy eating. I mentioned in last week's blog that I've cut out fast food during the Live Healthy Iowa 100 Day Challenge...and guess what? It's pretty hard! I start salivating during McDonalds commercials, now! But by choosing NOT to chow down on a Big Mac, I've made room for healthier, greener things.

But here's the deal---I'm still far from perfect. I still occasionally raid my pantry for chips and salsa. And I'm a sucker for Kraft shaped macaroni and cheese (the shaped kind just tastes better!). But I'm trying to develop better habits. I read a tip the other day that suggested adding one new fruit or vegetable to your meals each week. Sounds like an easier plan than trying to stop eating junk food cold turkey.

And here's some more good news: don't feel guilty about eating any of that dark chocolate Valentine's Day candy. Dark chocolate is good for your heart (in moderation, of course).

So remember that even though Valentine's Day is over, February is still all about hearts. Try to develop habits this month that will keep your heart healthy for a long time.