To love requires great strength.

To maintain that stamina throughout one’s life demands a healthy body, which in turn needs a healthy heart to keep the red blood flowing.

To that end, the American Heart Association has appropriated February as American Heart Month. The national agency’s focus for these 28 days is on women and their own heart health. As noted on the website, heart disease is the chief killer of women in the country, reportedly more than all types of cancer.

Considering the source, the accuracy of that statement might be arguable, but that doesn’t lessen the need for women to give more attention to the most vital muscle in their lives – the heart.

As befits a hospital, Southampton Memorial is offering a free health screening from 10 a.m. to noon today in the lobby. Dr. Chikako Ono, the new cardiologist, will also be present to meet visitors. To show support for the cause, visitors are asked to wear red for the AMA’s National Go Red Day. But if you can’t make it to the hospital, there’s no reason not to do so elsewhere.

There’s also no reason not to give your own heart – female or male – some extra attention today and all the rest to follow. You know the drill: exercise, eat right, reduce stress, etc.

That way you can live and love longer and greater.