Health Watch By Sherry Mullenix

The North Jefferson News



February is the month to pay attention to the heart, both figurative, and literally. After all, it’s the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day.

The holiday is named after one of many early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

An alternative theory from Belarus states that the holiday originates from the story of Saint Valentine, who upon rejection by his girlfriend, was so heartbroken that he took a knife to his chest and sent her his still-beating heart as a token of his undying love for her.

Hence, heart-shaped cards are now sent as a tribute to his overwhelming passion we have for someone. Today, it’s a day of romance full of chocolate and sweet treats.

February has also been designated by the American Heart Association as “American Heart Month.” So, it’s a good idea to think of your loved ones heart in more than one way this month.

Chocolate, wine and romance aren’t just the quickest ways to your true love’s heart. A study done by the University of Michigan Health System says these traditions may protect the ticker as well, and make it jump with excitement.

Don’t feel guilty if you bring home a box of chocolates for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. Chocolates contain a substance known as antioxidants that are cardiac and vascular protective. These antioxidants are known as “flavonoids” and are also found in fruits, vegetables, teas and red and white wines. These products help reduce the risk of blood clots and heart disease.

The amount of flavonoids in a particular type of chocolate depends on the type of chocolate and the processing. White chocolate contains the least, while dark chocolate contains the most. So the benefits of chocolate goes beyond just the good taste.

While chocolate has some benefits, there is a limit to how much you should eat. Like most foods, eating chocolate in moderation is the best approach. Chocolate is full of calories from fats and sugars, so you have to be careful how much you consume.

As you snuggle up to your special valentine this weekend with a glass of wine or champagne, take heart. Wine too has been proven to have some cardiovascular benefits as well.

Wine is a good choice because of its high antioxidant content. Of course it goes without saying that wine consumption should be in moderation as well.

These beverages have been shown to increase the amount of good cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in the blood. As the level of HDL increases in the body, the risk of heart attacks and strokes decreases.

Consumption of any alcoholic beverage in excess can counteract the desired positive effect, and actually increase the risk of death through accidents, liver disease, obesity and some cancers. Alcohol consumption should by no means be viewed as a way to prevent or treat heart or cardiovascular disease.

An active love life that one shares with a significant other is also very important to good health. Research has shown that married people in an active relationship live longer and have lower incidents of strokes and heart attacks.

By now, knowing that Valentine’s Day is close, we are all thinking about that perfect gift to express our love and affection. Here are some healthy suggestions:

• Give a box of chocolate-covered strawberries instead of a box of chocolates. They are lower in fat and calories.

• For those who prefer not to consume a glass of wine or similar beverage, toast your loved one with your favorite fruit juice mixed with sparking water on your romantic evening.

• Try some calorie-free luxury bath items for her. Fill a basket with lotions, soaps and bath oils to pamper her during a period of relaxation.

• Write a letter to your valentine, and go the extra mile to make a homemade card. The extra effort is often appreciated

• Take your loved one on a moon-lit walk. We all well know the benefit of walking, and while you’re out on that quiet walk, try something different like reaching down and holding her (his) hand as you walk.

• Don’t forget, hugs and kisses are both free and calorie free.

Last, but definitely not least, the gift of your time to your parents or grandparents is priceless. A visit or phone call to let them know you are thinking of them could make their day.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sherry Mullenix (J.D., R.N.) co-owns The Pharmacy in Mount Olive with her husband, Steve Mullenix (R.Ph). They can be reached at 631-1201.