Why Valentine’s Day Intersects With Health Messaging
February is officially recognized as American Heart Month, a national awareness initiative focused on cardiovascular health. Because Valentine’s Day occurs during this period, public-health organizations often use the holiday to reinforce established heart-healthy habits and safety messaging.
Lifestyle Considerations
Heart-Healthy Eating Patterns
Authoritative guidance from the American Heart Association supports eating patterns that emphasize:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Heart-healthy oils
- Legumes and other healthier sources of protein
Evidence also supports portion awareness, particularly around sweets. Health organizations note that enjoying sweets in smaller amounts or spreading intake over time can fit within a balanced eating pattern.
Physical Activity and Well-Being
Regular physical activity is strongly supported by evidence for cardiovascular health and mental well-being. Walking, in particular, is endorsed by the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is associated with:
- Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
- Improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
- Improved mental and emotional well-being
Illness Prevention During Seasonal Gatherings
February coincides with peak cold and influenza season in the United States. Evidence-based prevention measures include:
- Washing hands regularly
- Avoiding close contact with others when sick
- Staying current with recommended flu vaccination
These measures reduce the spread of respiratory illness and help protect both individuals and communities.
Emotional and Social Health
Evidence supports the role of social connection and supportive relationships in overall well-being. Research cited by the American Heart Association indicates that affectionate behaviors within established relationships are associated with lower stress levels and, in some studies, improved cardiovascular markers.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care promptly if any of the following occur:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or unexplained fatigue
- Symptoms that worsen during physical activity
Call emergency services immediately for severe or sudden symptoms that may indicate a heart attack or another medical emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to enjoy sweets on Valentine’s Day?
Yes. High-quality evidence supports moderation and portion awareness as part of a heart-healthy eating pattern.
Does physical activity help heart health?
Yes. Regular physical activity, including walking, is strongly supported by evidence for cardiovascular and mental health benefits.
Are there special health risks associated with Valentine’s Day?
There is no high-quality evidence identifying Valentine’s Day itself as a health risk. Seasonal illness risk in February is related to influenza and respiratory viruses, not the holiday.
What is a healthy relationship with food?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting a single medical definition of a “healthy relationship with food.” Public-health guidance focuses instead on balanced eating patterns and portion awareness.
Can Valentine’s Day be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle?
Yes. Evidence supports heart-healthy eating patterns, regular physical activity, and moderation—principles that apply year-round, including Valentine’s Day.
Do Valentine’s Day celebrations improve heart health?
There is no high-quality evidence showing that celebrating Valentine’s Day itself improves heart health. Health outcomes are linked to ongoing lifestyle habits, not a single day.
APA Reference List
American Heart Association. (n.d.). American Heart Month. https://www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month
American Heart Association. (2021, February 3). Ideas for a safe, healthy Valentine’s Day everyone can love. American Heart Association News. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/02/03/ideas-for-a-safe-healthy-valentines-day-everyone-can-love
American Heart Association. (2024, July 30). The American Heart Association diet and lifestyle recommendations. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
American Heart Association. (2024, December 12). Warning signs of a heart attack. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack
Basile, K. C., Smith, S. G., Kresnow, M., Khatiwada, S., & Leemis, R. W. (2022, June). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2016/2017 report on sexual violence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/documentation/nisvsReportonSexualViolence.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 16). About handwashing. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 6). Facts about U.S. deaths from excessive alcohol use. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/facts-stats/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 24). About heart attack symptoms, risk, and recovery. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-attack.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December 30). American Heart Month communications toolkit. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/php/heart-month/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, December 4). Benefits of physical activity. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, September 26). Flu season. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season.html
Leemis, R. W., Friar, N., Khatiwada, S., Chen, M. S., Kresnow, M., Smith, S. G., Caslin, S., & Basile, K. C. (2022, October). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2016/2017 report on intimate partner violence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/documentation/NISVSReportonIPV_2022.pdf
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2025, February 14). American Heart Month. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Dine out / take out. MyPlate. https://www.myplate.gov/tip-sheet/dine-out-take-out
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Exercise and physical fitness. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Heart attack. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/heartattack.html
World Health Organization. (2025, December 10). Seasonal influenza – Global situation. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON586