Salisbury Fire Department

Now that we’ve managed to get through January, many of us will turn our thoughts to the upcoming Valentine’s Day event taking place on Thursday 14 February.  Thoughts of love, roses, candy, dinners, etc…enter our minds.  However, be sure to take some time to ensure you and the ones you wish to show your affection to remain healthy and safe.  The following are offered as tips to maintain a healthy, happy, balanced lifestyle not only on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the year:

Be Heart Healthy

Make A Date With Your Heart! February is American Heart Month, and Valentine's Day is a great time to start taking steps to be heart-healthy.

• Prevent and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Be active.
• Eat healthy.

Be Food Conscious

Consider making a healthy meal for Valentine’s Day. Serve food lower in salt and fat content, provide more fruits and vegetables, and make less sugary sweets for an overall healthy Valentine’s Day.

Spread Love, Not Germs

Protect yourself from the cold and flu.

• Wash hands often.
• Avoid close contact when you or someone you know is sick.
• Get your flu vaccine.

Prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.

• Abstain from sex.
• If you choose to have sex, use latex condoms which can lower the risk for some STIs and unintended pregnancy.
• Having a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner may help lower your risk.

Be Prepared for Travel

If you are going on a romantic getaway, be prepared.

• Are vaccinations required?
• Are there special items such as sunscreen or insect repellent that you will need?
• If you take medications, do you have enough for the trip?
• If you're going on a cruise, learn the sanitation inspection scores for specific ships. Know what’s happening en route or at your travel destination.

Be Safe

Gear up

Are you considering a new, potentially risky, or unsafe activity? Be sure to use appropriate safety gear, including seat belts, life vests, and helmets to help prevent injury.

Watch the spark

 If you decide to cook a romantic dinner, light some candles, or have a cozy fire, don’t leave them unattended.

Be aware

Women are more likely to be victims of sexual violence, including intimate partner violence, than men. Risk factors such as drinking alcohol and using drugs are associated with a greater likelihood of violence.

Be Sensitive

Consider that your valentine may have allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other health conditions. You can be sensitive to your valentine by finding out if certain foods, flowers, pets, stuffed animals, or anything else might affect his or her health.

Love Your Pets

Seasoned pet lovers know that all types of chocolate are potentially life-threatening when ingested by pets. Methylxanthines are caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function—they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhounds to find.

By following these simple recommendations, you can help to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy Valentine’s Day.  For more information, visit  http://www.cdc.gov/family/valentine/ 

The Salisbury Fire Department wishes all its constituents a very Happy Valentine’s Day.