It's no coincidence that Valentine's Day is during American Heart Month. But the two holidays aren't usually observed together. SheSpeaks member, SusanHN writes below about why the two occasions should be celebrated as one.
Read on to find out about a different meaning behind Valentine's Day. Plus, enter to win a $75 gift card to your favorite restaurant to share a meal with someone you love.
"My husband and I were never that into Valentine's Day. We've usually put a few pink and red decorations on the window, cooked a favorite meal, and gave our kids a heart-shaped box of candy. It's always been very minimal. Until now.
This year, we will embrace Valentine's Day much more than usual - because we are not just celebrating love, we are also celebrating hearts.
About a year ago, my husband randomly started having what he described as heart palpitations. We both attributed it to stress and went on with our lives.
And then, this past July, a friend of ours died from a heart attack while taking his dog for a walk. It shook our whole community to the core. He left behind a loving wife, two beautiful sons, ages 9 and 12, a large extended family that he was very close with, and many friends who will miss him dearly.
After we heard this terrible news, my husband immediately called the doctor.
Thankfully, he did. A week later, he was diagnosed with atrial flutter. His heart and brain were not always getting the blood they needed. If left untreated, he could develop congestive heart failure, heart attack or stroke.
He scheduled the recommended out-patient procedure right away.
Though incredibly scary for both of us, my husband's procedure went very well. He continues to need monitoring, but in effect, it saved his life, and for that, we are extremely grateful.
So this Valentine's Day, we will celebrate love. And,we will celebrate hearts - both the hearts that our kids draw on pieces of red construction paper, and the hearts that beat inside our bodies. Because we now know that taking care of your heart is the best Valentine present you can give."
For more information on heart health, please visit The American Heart Association.
*One lucky contestant will be chosen at random to receive a $75 gift card to winner's choice of restaurant, provided that the gift card is easy to purchase online. Giveaway is open through February 23rd, 2020 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Update: Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner, SheSpeaks member puzzlepopples.
This February, I will celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary, my son's 10 year birthday, my sister's would be 25th birthday (she sadly passed away recently). Overall celebrating family, life, and love.
I am celebrating with my two Love!! My Wife & My Daughter.
I totally will celebrate with my mom.
Not really celebrating anything this February.
I'm celebrating good health, good friends, and a wonderful husband.
My husband and I have our Hearts checked 2X a year. We have it checked by our Cardiologist, and we remind each other daily the way we feel about each other.... You never know how long you have on this earth. So share your feelings!!!!
We don't do much for V-Day.
I am celebrating that my marriage is in a good place this year.
My birthday :)
Healthy family
My marriage!
I celebrate my birthday, black history and Valentine's Day in February.
I am celebrating a new job!
My husband and I are celebrating 5 years together this July. His birthday is also in February (the 4th) i feel like I didn't do enough and I want to win hopefully and take him to a nice place to eat to show him how much I appreciate and love him
Making it through hard times.