02/13/2026
Your heart deserves a little love too.
With February being American Heart Month, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy the day, and take a few simple steps to support your heart health and the health of the people you love most. Here are some easy ways to make Valentine's Day both sweet and healthy:
❤️ Take a heart healthy walk
Bundle up and head out for a stroll at the RGH Fitness Center or on one of our new walking trails. The American Heart Association notes that walking briskly for at least 150 minutes a week helps you think more clearly, feel better, sleep better, and lowers your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers. It can also boost blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, energy, mood, memory, and bone strength. If walking isn’t already part of your routine, Valentine’s Day is a great day to start something new together.
❤️ Cook a heart healthy meal
Skip the restaurant crowds and enjoy a cozy, nourishing dinner at home. Heart healthy recipes are available at recipes.heart.org, and eating well offers plenty of nutritious dinner ideas, including dishes made with a Valentine favorite: chocolate.
❤️ Enjoy chocolate mindfully
If chocolate is part of your celebration, savor it. One piece a day helps you enjoy the treat without overdoing it, and it makes the sweetness last a little longer.
❤️ Share hugs and kisses
A little affection can be surprisingly healthy. Studies show that kissing and cuddling may help reduce stress, support stronger relationships, lower blood pressure, and even improve cholesterol. Love really is good for the heart.
❤️ Spend an extra moment with the ones you love
Valentine’s Day is a nice moment to check in with each other. Share healthy habits you want to work on, make plans to stay active together, support each other’s food choices, and encourage one another to keep up with annual checkups.
Roane General Hospital is here for you and your valentines all year long. From Primary Care to Cardiovascular Medicine, our team is dedicated to keeping your heart healthy. Learn more about our providers, services, and locations at roanegeneralhospital.com.
❤️ Stay warm, stay well, and take care of your heart today and every day.