February is American Heart Month. The following are tips to help keep your heart healthy each day of the month.

1. Schedule time for exercise, and put it on your calendar like any other appointment. Make time to take care of your body if you want it to last.

2. Set short-term goals. Recording them in a health journal is a great way to stay motivated. Writing your goals down enables you to visualize what you are working toward and helps you realize when you achieve them.

3. Eat healthy. Healthy eating habits can help you reduce three of the major risk factors for heart attack and stroke - high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and excess body weight.

4. Help your children develop good physical activity habits at an early age be setting a good example yourself.

5. Teach your family the warning signs of heart attacks. Every second counts. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms:

.. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

.. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

.. Shortness of breath along with, or just prior to, chest discomfort.

.. Breaking out in a cold sweat, experiencing sudden nausea or feeling lightheaded.

6. Preserve the nutrients and colors in veggies. Cook them quickly by steaming or stir-frying.

Valentine retreat

A Valentine Retreat will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Sat., Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m. A good program is planned and refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited to attend. Rev. Robert Crawford is pastor.