Do you remember the problem of choosing the perfect valentine for each classmates’ Valentine envelope. Who can forget the heart shaped candies that began as early as 1902 with stamped messages. In various flavors, they might say “Be Mine,” “Cutie Pie”, “Love.”  Over time, the messages were updated to include “Call Me,” “Fax Me,” “Text Me,” “Proud of U,” “Youda Best” “Super Star.” 

            Candy makers around the world planned for their treats to be shared with significant others, friends, family, and other important people in one’s life. Diana Eschhofen, a corporate executive of  Sprangler Candy Company said, “Words of encouragement are timeless and relevant for peoples of all generations.”

            Now about your heart. . .I share a long ago memory of working for the cardiologist who treated and referred Dr. Barney Clark  for the first Jarvik -7 artificial heart transplant. Dr. Clark was not excited at first, but when his son had to carry him to the Thanksgiving table, he made his decision. Barney’s goal was to  move science forward enough to help others. When he woke from surgery in December 1982, he said to his wife, “Even though I don’t have a heart, I still love you.” Barney lived 112 days and was a hero to all for his pioneering spirit and desire to give back.

This is a good time to tend to all our hearts as well.  A few suggestions are: (1) Eat healthy, (2) Get active, (3) Keep a healthy weight, (4) Avoid secondhand smoke, (5) Control cholesterol & blood pressure, (6) Drink alcohol only in moderation, and (7) Manage stress.

            We also can tend to our hearts by sharing with others in a special way. Not certain who said this, but I paraphrase it now. “Every day we have a hundred chances & choices to be kind or hurtful, to be selfish or selfless. Even the smallest act can make a difference in someone’s life.” Let us spread  kind thoughts this “heart-healthy” month. Remember that words of encouragement are timeless and relevant for us all.

Carol D. Tamparo