Last month, we celebrated love and also the organ that we closely associate with love, the heart. This muscle is critical to our livelihood, and is a vulnerable part of our body that requires special attention and care.

During the time that you’re on earth, you have to treat your heart right. It is a strong, life-sustaining pump that beats 100,000 times a day to circulate about 2,000 gallons of blood. But, the heart is also fragile enough that a virus that causes the common cold can weaken it. The idea of an emotional heartbreak is not just figurative; emotions and stress can trigger the release of certain hormones that can paralyze portions of your heart. Considering that heart disease is the leading cause of death of both men and women in the US, we can definitely stand to pay more attention to this vital part of our bodies.

The good news is there are things we can do to better love on our hearts. Exercising and being physically active are important ways to prevent heart disease, as is maintaining a healthy diet, along with a healthy mindset.Since the heart is central to our physical operating system, it’s also important to understand how other conditions can possibly impact your heart. For instance, the high blood glucose levels connected to diabetes can lead to heart disease. A few years ago, my doctor discovered that I have the sickle cell trait—this affects the shape and function of red blood cells in a way that can cause blood flow blockage and damage to the heart. Knowing that I have this condition makes it even more important that I pay close attention to my overall heart health.

This month, I supported my heart by doing a holistic cleanse that purged toxins, restored strength throughout my body, and engaged me in constant prayer and meditation to help maintain spiritual, mental, and emotional balance. In the spirit of celebrating love and American Heart Month, remember to give thanks for your heart and to find ways to keep it beating strongly.

With love, Peggy