When you think of February, what comes to mind? Most people will likely say Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14,) while others might refer to Groundhog Day (today, Feb. 2) or that the time is set aside for Black History Month. But these 28 days have also been appropriated for another worthy event: American Heart Month.

If you skipped making any health-related resolutions in January, now is another ideal opportunity to educate yourself about how, for example, your diet and exercise — or the lack thereof — affects this truly vital organ. The Heart Foundation website states that heart disease is the foremost cause of death in both men and women in our country. But, the organization is quick to add that the ailment is one that can be readily prevented. Improving what you eat and starting to exercise are excellent ways to start helping your heart beat stronger and longer.

Appropriately, today is also National Wear Red Day. We encourage women and men to wear the color as another way to bring attention to how heart disease affects women. The Go Red for Women organization states that the ailment kills one woman every 80 seconds.

To learn more about keeping your heartbeat regular, visit www.theheartfoundation.org or www.goredforwomen.org.