Celebrate Valentine’s Day with actual hearts in mind 2-5-26

February 5, 2026

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with actual hearts in mind

MOBILE, Ala. — February might be known as the month of love, but it is also a month to celebrate hearts of another kind. During American Heart Month this year, take some time to learn how to protect your heart health.

You see plenty of pink and red hearts in honor of Valentine’s Day. Spread the love to your actual heart with the help of a few tips from the Mobile County Health Department and Family Health, its primary care division.

“All residents need to optimize their health by improving habits that keep their heart healthy, including regular cholesterol screens,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Preventing high blood cholesterol, known as hypercholesterolemia, can lower one’s risk for heart disease and stroke.”

February is American Heart Month for good reason. Heart disease causes about one in every five deaths in the U.S., with one person dying every 34 seconds.

Heart Month raises awareness about cardiovascular disease and highlights the steps we can take to protect our hearts. The awareness month was established in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson and has been marked ever since.

Wearing red is another way to acknowledge American Heart Month. Each year, on National Wear Red Day, the first Friday in February, Americans wear red to raise awareness about women and heart disease.

HEART-HEALTHY VALENTINE’S TIPS:
• Get Screened: Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar).
• Healthy Habits: Encourage your partner to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating well and exercising together.
• Red Symbolism: Utilize the color red to promote cardiovascular health awareness throughout the month.

For scheduling with Family Health, call 251-690-8889. To learn more about the locations conventionally located throughout Mobile County, visit https://mchd.org/family-health.