High blood

pressure. A healthy diet (low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high

in grains, fruits and vegetables (a plant based diet), losing weight,

exercising regularly, restricting sodium, and using medication might help

lower blood pressure to a healthy level. Family history of coronary artery

disease: Make sure that you and your Valentine are aware of your individual

medical histories, and that you consult a health care provider for a complete

physical.

Diabetes.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions in the

United States. Many people who are overweight or obese are at risk for

type 2 diabetes.

Lack of

exercise. In 1996 the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity

and Health advised Americans to get at least a half-hour of vigorous exercise

each day. This year, the National Academies' Institute of Medicine recommended

doubling the amount of physical activity from 30 minutes to 60 minutes

of moderately intense physical activity each day. Take your valentine

for a long walk; you'll be doing both of you good.

Obesity.

An estimated 120 million adults in the United States are overweight or

obese. Weight control can be accomplished by various methods including

changing your diet to include more "heart healthy" ingredients

like those made without saturated fat and cholesterol. Instead of enjoying

cream style soups full of dairy and saturated fats, try Imagine Natural

Organic Soups and Broths, they're creamy, delicious and completely dairy

and cholesterol free.

Stress.

Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever, but there are plenty of other

ways to stop life's pressures from reaching the boiling point. Some include

keeping a journal, meditating regularly, reading novels that "take

you away," spending time with friends and family and trying your

hand at healthy all natural recipes, like those below. Your heart will

be grateful.

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