Heart Health and a Holiday of Love

Local businesses, restaurants and gift shops are certainly well aware of the Valentine's Day holiday on Monday as customers stop by to pick up gifts and make date-night reservations.

And while the heart-filled holiday is a great way to remind those in your life that you love them, the Feith Family YMCA's February newsletter is full of information to remind us to love ourselves during American Heart Month.

"For over 40 years, February was proclaimed American Heart Month to urge people to join the fight against cardiovascular disease, our nation's No. 1 killer," the newsletter said.

It probably goes without saying that many of us have been affected by heart disease at one point in our life — whether because of a family member, loved one, friend, acquaintance or ourselves.

Heart disease has certainly been strongly relevant in my life, giving me just one more reason to recognize having a healthy heart on a holiday of love. I try to remember that health means more than moving enough and eating right — health is about mind, body and spirit.

And just becuase the community we live in is small, that doesn't mean we are  lacking outlets to accomplish this rounded way of living (even in a below-zero climate).

You don't think so? Check out these ideas:

• in Port Washington holds regular , free to participants. Mind, body, spirit — check.
• The offers twice-weekly informational sessions about good nutrition, called Y-Weight, hosted by Registered Dietitian Vickie Bergquist at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Attendees do not need to sign up, and the event is free.
• Between the YMCA and , area residents can have a membership to a gym that suits their needs and time tables.
• Niederkorn also holds a monthly , a good outlet for those interested in expanding their writing horizons. Mind, spirit? Check. check.
• is always free in the Veterans Park in Port Washington, from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Move your body and free your mind with a breath a fresh air while you glide over the slippery rink.
• Java Dock hosts every Monday, from 7 to 10 p.m. Sponsored by the Ozaukee Regional Chess Association, attending offers a great challenge to your mind.

Believe me now? Look close enough and healthy opportunities are all around you just waiting to help you make yourself worth as much as your loved ones.