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 Walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic dancing or any of dozens of other activities can help your heart. They all cause you to feel warm, perspire and breathe heavily without being out of breath and without feeling any burning sensation in your muscles.   Whether it is a structured exercise program or just part of your daily routine, all exercise adds up to a healthier heart. Take the first step by walking. It's free, easy to do and when you have a walking companion, you're more likely to stay motivated.  Here are some tips for exercise success:  Dress for success! Wear comfortable, properly fitted sneakers or flat shoes with laces. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the weather and the activity. Make the time! Start slowly. Gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of activity on most or all days of the week (or whatever your doctor recommends). Exercise at the same time of day so it becomes a regular part of your lifestyle. For example, you might walk every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 12:30 p.m. Find a convenient time and place to do activities. Try to make it a habit, but be flexible. If you miss an exercise opportunity, work activity into your day another way.  Keep reasonable expectations of yourself.  If you have a high risk of coronary heart disease or some other chronic health problem, check with your healthcare provider before beginning a physical activity program.  Look for chances to be more active during the day. Walk the mall before shopping, take the stairs instead of the escalator or take 10–15 minute breaks while watching TV or sitting for walking or some other activity.  Don't get discouraged if you stop for a while. Get started again gradually and work up to your old pace.  Don't exercise too vigorously right after meals, when it's very hot or humid, or when you just don't feel up to it.  Make it fun!  Choose activities that are fun, not exhausting. Add variety. Develop a repertoire of several activities that you can enjoy. That way, exercise will never seem boring or routine.  Ask family and friends to join you — you may be more likely to stick with it if you have company. Or join an exercise group, health club or a community center. Many churches and senior centers offer exercise programs too. (Remember to get your doctor's permission first.)  Use variety to keep your interest up. Walk one day, swim the next, and then go for a bike ride on the weekend.  Use music or audiobooks to keep you entertained.  Track and celebrate your success!  Note your activities on a calendar or in a logbook. Write down the distance or length of time of your activity and how you feel after each session.  Keep a record of your activities. Reward yourself at special milestones with non-food items, like a small gift or shopping trip for you. Nothing motivates like success!  Visit heart.org/physical activity to find all the resources you need to get moving and stay motivated.

 Pet Dental Health Month in February is when we remember that our furry friends don’t carry a toothbrush around with them and so their teeth may need a little attention. Whether a dog, cat, rabbit or other species, let’s remember our pets by lovingly looking after their teeth. Dental checks are as important to animals as they are to us and looking after their dental health significantly prevents oral problems they may have in the future. Red gums, stinky breath, or yellow teeth could lead to an oral disease if left untreated; giving your pet a poor quality of life and nobody wants that! This National Pet Dental Health Month let’s prioritize our pet’s teeth as much as we do their stomachs.  Pet health dates back thousands of years. In 9000 BC, the first veterinary practice of any kind appeared in the Middle East. It was used for sheepherders who treated the dogs who watched over their sheep. In Ancient Egypt, animal treatment became more common. Cats, fowl, and dogs were regular choices for pets and considered by many families to be members of the household.  In 1900 BC some sacred Hindu texts captured the first written account of the practice of veterinary medicine. In 1850, archaeologists found fragments of an ancient vet’s medical books covering diseases found in birds, cattle, fish, and dogs.  The last 100 years have seen a steady increase in the number of pets receiving regular medical care. There are now thousands of animal hospitals dedicated to the care of small house pets. It was also around this time that the first policy for pet insurance for a cat was written by a Swedish insurance company called Länsförsäkrings Alliance.  As our concern for pet’s health has increased, so has our awareness of the importance of their dental health. Pet dentists came up with Pet Dental Health Month to draw attention to some serious health issues pets may go through due to ill oral health. Most owners notice an oral issue when it’s too late, with the pet already in discomfort to the point where they have stopped eating. Studies have revealed an obvious correlation between the health of our pets and oral disease. Animals with clean teeth live longer lives. 

 Ahh, February. The month of all things “love.” Why not honor weddings during the month that honors American Hearts, Valentine’s, and Chocolate Souffle?! February is National Weddings Month; a celebration of the beauty of unconditional love and the excitement of marriage and wedding parties.  Did you know that more than 2.4 million couples get married in the U.S. every year, and about 16 thousand of them get married on Valentine’s Day?! Even though the majority of weddings do take place during the summer months (specifically June, August, and September), February does own the most weddings to a single day. Since it’s known as the most romantic month on the calendar, it seems fitting to give weddings an extra special celebration in February. According to the National Association of Bridal Consultants, it’s also the month that most brides and grooms-to-be start doing serious wedding planning. That may be because December is the most popular month for proposals!  So, let romance win in February and celebrate all things wedding-related. 

February is National Children's Dental Health Month! During the entire month of February, the American Dental Association (ADA) honors and recognizes dental professionals and all who are passionate about children's healthcare. Take this time to increase awareness about pediatric dental hygiene – and find out how you can best support your child's dental care.  The ADA's Children's Dental Health Day was first celebrated on February 8, 1949. It became a month-long commemoration in 1981. 40 years later, children's dental health continues to be promoted throughout February for National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Celebrating children's oral health awareness is incredibly important for the community. Tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease. Continuing educational programs and prevention awareness will help motivate more parents and other adults to recognize the seriousness of children's dental disease.  NCDHM raises awareness of the importance of teaching children good oral habits early to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Parents or caregivers are essential and can promote children's dental health this month and throughout the year. Support children's dental health by working with dental professionals on specific topics such as:

· Tooth decay

· Getting your child familiar with their dentist's office

· Preventing crowded teeth

· Healthy gums in later years

Keeping up with daily oral care and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for an oral examination and professional cleanings are steps you can take towards a happier and healthier mouth! Setting the foundation for your child earlier in life will set your child up for success in the future.  Making an appointment at the dentist is one of the best ways to celebrate February's theme. The more time they spend with their dental professionals, the more comfortable they'll be when they visit. It is encouraged for children to have regular cleanings every 6 months. If you schedule an appointment in February, your child's second appointment will fall just-in-time before back-to-school in August.  Did you know that toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as frayed bristles decrease their effectiveness? Get kids excited about their regular hygiene routine by letting them select toothbrushes with their favorite characters and choose toothpaste that they like. NCDHM is an excellent time to toss out old toothbrushes and replace them with new ones.  If your kids tend to brush their teeth unattended, take time this month to check-in on their brushing habits. Checking in with your kids and offering helpful tips and tricks will keep their teeth looking great and healthy.  National Children's Dental Health month is a great time to learn about and promote good oral hygiene habits with your family. Keep up with checkups, treat the family with new toothbrushes, and ensure your child knows how to clean their teeth properly. Your whole family will know how important dental health is to their overall health.

February is a cold month for most of us, so what better way to start our days than with a steaming hot breakfast? National Hot Breakfast Month is celebrated every February to encourage everyone to set aside some extra time every morning to make a hot, fresh breakfast.  You know what they say about breakfast… It’s the most important meal of the day! However, in the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to put breakfast on the back burner and just grab a quick granola bar on your way out the door in the morning. This month, we are challenged to wake up a little earlier and take the time to really enjoy breakfast. You may be surprised at how much better you feel throughout the day when you allow yourself plenty of time in the morning to fully wake up, make breakfast, and maybe listen to your favorite podcast as you get ready for the day. Appreciating the beauty that the morning brings and enjoying a hot breakfast will surely make you feel fuller, more energized, and just overall better all day long!

It’s snack time! February is National Snack Food Month, so this month, focus on snacking in the healthiest ways possible and still thoroughly enjoying treats between meals! Most days, we need a snack or two (or 7) to make it through the day, and if we choose nutritious choices, snacking more can make a positive impact on our overall health; believe it or not, it can even help with weight loss! Here is the list of snack foods that you can enjoy.  mixed nuts, pepper slices to dip in guacamole, greek yogurt with granola, oats, and/or mixed berries, apple slices, carrots, or celery dipped in peanut butter, cottage cheese (with any toppings, or as a salad dressing replacement), dark chocolate with almonds, cucumber (or any veggies) dipped in hummus, any fruits and veggies, cherry tomatoes with mozzarella and basil, hard-boiled eggs, healthy beef jerky, protein shake or fruit smoothie. You can have many snacks but don’t ruin your dinner.

 Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government according to history.com. Traditionally celebrated on February 22—Washington’s actual day of birth—the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.   The story of Presidents’ Day date begins in 1800. Following President George Washington’s death in 1799, his February 22 birthday became a perennial day of remembrance. At the time, Washington was venerated as the most important figure in American history, and events like the 1832 centennial of his birth and the start of construction of the Washington Monument in 1848 were cause for national celebration.  Presidents’ Day: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act.  The shift from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents’ Day began in the late 1960s when Congress proposed a measure known as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Championed by Senator Robert McClory of Illinois, this law sought to shift the celebration of several federal holidays from specific dates to a series of predetermined Mondays. The proposed change was seen by many as a novel way to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers, and it was believed that ensuring holidays always fell on the same weekday would reduce employee absenteeism. While some argued that shifting holidays from their original dates would cheapen their meaning, the bill also had widespread support from both the private sector and labor unions and was seen as a surefire way to bolster retail sales.  The Uniform Monday Holiday Act also included a provision to combine the celebration of Washington’s Birthday with Abraham Lincoln’s, which fell on the proximate date of February 12. Lincoln’s Birthday had long been a state holiday in places like Illinois, and many supported joining the two days as a way of giving equal recognition to two of America’s most famous statesmen.  McClory was among the measure’s major proponents, and he even floated the idea of renaming the holiday “President’s Day.” This proved to be a point of contention for lawmakers from George Washington’s home state of Virginia, and the proposal was eventually dropped. Nevertheless, the main piece of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed in 1968 and officially took effect in 1971 following an executive order from President Richard Nixon. Washington’s Birthday was then shifted from the fixed date of February 22 to the third Monday of February. Columbus Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day were also moved from their traditionally designated dates. (As a result of widespread criticism, in 1980 Veterans’ Day was returned to its original November 11 date.)  Presidents’ Day: Transformation.  While Nixon’s order plainly called the newly placed holiday Washington’s Birthday, it was not long before the shift to Presidents’ Day began. The move away from February 22 led many to believe that the new date was intended to honor both Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as it now fell between their two birthdays. Marketers soon jumped at the opportunity to play up the three-day weekend with sales, and “Presidents’ Day” bargains were advertised at stores around the country.  By the mid-1980s Washington’s Birthday was known to many Americans as Presidents’ Day. This shift had solidified in the early 2000s, by which time as many as half the 50 states had changed the holiday’s name to Presidents’ Day on their calendars. Some states have even chosen to customize the holiday by adding new figures to the celebration. Arkansas, for instance, celebrates Washington as well as civil rights activist Daisy Gatson Bates. Alabama, meanwhile, uses Presidents’ Day to commemorate Washington and Thomas Jefferson (who was born in April).  Washington and Lincoln still remain the two most recognized leaders, but Presidents’ Day is now popularly seen as a day to recognize the lives and achievements of all of America’s chief executives. Some lawmakers have objected to this view, arguing that grouping George Washington and Abraham Lincoln together with less successful presidents minimizes their legacies. Congressional measures to restore Washington and Lincoln’s individual birthdays were proposed during the early 2000s, but all failed to gain much attention. For its part, the federal government has held fast to the original incarnation of the holiday as a celebration of the country’s first president. The third Monday in February is still listed on official calendars as Washington’s Birthday.  Presidents’ Day: Celebrations and Traditions.  Like Independence Day, Presidents’ Day is traditionally viewed as a time of patriotic celebration and remembrance. In its original incarnation as Washington’s Birthday, the holiday gained special meaning during the difficulties of the Great Depression, when portraits of George Washington often graced the front pages of newspapers and magazines every February 22. In 1932 the date was used to reinstate the Purple Heart, a military decoration originally created by George Washington to honor soldiers killed or wounded while serving in the armed forces. Patriotic groups and the Boy Scouts of America also held celebrations on the day, and in 1938 some 5,000 people attended mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in honor of Washington.  In its modern form, Presidents’ Day is used by many patriotic and historical groups as a date for staging celebrations, reenactments and other events. A number of states also require that their public schools spend the days leading up to Presidents’ Day teaching students about the accomplishments of the presidents, often with a focus on the lives of Washington and Lincoln. 

 National Library Lover’s Month in February is dedicated to the people who love whole buildings devoted to reading, housing, organizing, categorizing, finding, studying, and otherwise loving books. Libraries provide so much more than a place for us to enjoy great novels or to discover amazing adventures and untold history. Yes, they help us ace our research papers and provide a quiet space to study. However,  they do so much more. Libraries also provide rotating art displays to give local artists exposure to the community. Larger libraries provide preservation services, preserving some of the most treasured books, periodicals, and documents for future generations. Libraries are a perfect place to either read a book or do a school project or just to relax, they help us in many ways. When I was in school i use to go to the library and just listen to the silence because it's peaceful. The environment is basically a safe place when you're in a library you automatically feel safe. There are many wonderful books in a library from nonfiction to fiction. 

 Declutter for a Cause month is a 28-day motivational initiative for people to declutter their homes and offices to donate their belongings to a nonprofit in need. The cause is meant to encourage people to donate their unused or unwanted stuff to charities. You could buy some organizing stuff from the store to help with the clutter. If you have clothes or shoes that you don't wear anymore you can easily donate them and let someone that don't have a lot of clothes or shoes wear it, you could be helping a family out that's in need. There are some clothing stores that have donation bins. All you have to do is put them all in a bag and give them away. The store that has donation stuff is goodwill there might be more but that's the only one that i know of.  Here is some steps to declutter your home step; Start by grouping items together Step 2; Begin in the bedroom, Step 3; Allow 15 minutes each day for 30 days Step 4; Focus on tiny areas Step 5: Turn your attention to other family members Step 6:Now look at every room , still for 15 minutes each day Step 7: Stick to it! If you follow these steps you will be organized and won't have to wonder if your home is cluttered or not because everything would be in the right spot, and you wouldn't have to fix or clean your house if you just follow those 7 steps. 

 In observance of Burn Awareness Week which is February 2nd through the 8th, we wanted to share some great information from the Mayo Clinic.  Burn safety is a foreign concept to most young explorers. In fact, one of the most difficult lessons young children learn is that some things — such as stoves, radiators and flickering flames — can be painfully hot. If children play with matches or lighters, the threat can extend to the entire family.  Take burn safety precautions to prevent injuries and dangerous situations.  Many ordinary things in a home — including bath water, food and electrical outlets — can cause childhood burns. To prevent burns at home:   * Reduce water temperature. Set the thermostat on your hot water heater to below 120 F (48.9 C). Aim for bath water around 100 F (38 C). Check the temperature of bath water with your hand before putting your child in the bath.  * Avoid hot spills. Don't cook, drink, or carry hot beverages or foods while holding a child. Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges. Don't use tablecloths or place mats, which young children can pull down. Turn the handles of your pots and pans toward the rear of the stove and use back burners when possible. Don't leave the stove unattended when you're cooking.  * Establish 'no' zones. Block access to the stove, fireplace, space heaters and radiators. Don't leave a child unattended in a room when these items are in use.  * Keep hot devices out of reach. Store items designed to get hot, such as clothes irons or curling irons, unplugged and out of reach.  * Test food temperature before feeding young children. Be careful with food or liquids warmed in a microwave, which might heat foods unevenly. Never warm a baby's bottle in the microwave.  * Choose a cool-mist vaporizer. They prevent steam burns.  * Address outlets and electrical cords. Cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps. Keep electrical cords and wires out of the way so that children don't pull on or chew on them. Replace frayed, broken or worn electrical cords.  * Choose fire-resistant fabrics. Check labels to make sure mattresses and pajamas meet federal flammability standards. 

 To protect children from outdoor hazards:  * Watch grills, fire pits and camp fires. Never leave them unattended.  * Check car seats. Before placing your child in a car seat, check for hot straps or buckles. If you park in direct sunlight, cover the car seat with a towel or blanket.  * Avoid backyard fireworks. Don't let children play with or near fireworks or sparklers. 

 To prevent accidental fires:  * Hide matches and lighters. Store matches, lighters and ashtrays out of your child's sight and reach or lock them in a cabinet.  * Be careful with candles. Keep burning candles out of reach of children, and extinguish candles before leaving the room.  * Take care with cigarettes. Don't smoke in the house — especially in bed. If you do, use deep ashtrays. Empty them frequently and douse with water before disposing of ashes.  * Use space heaters wisely. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet (about 1 meter) away from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials. Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.  * Keep your fireplace clean. An annual cleaning and inspection of a fireplace and chimney can help prevent a chimney fire.  * Store flammable materials. Store flammable liquids tightly sealed in original containers, out of reach of children and away from sources of heat or flames.  * Never leave a room unattended when candles, fireplaces or heaters are in use.
 

To prevent injury if a fire occurs:  * Install smoke alarms. Install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home inside and outside of all sleeping areas. Clean alarms monthly and push the button on the alarm every month to make sure it works. Use long-life batteries or change them at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.  * Learn to use a fire extinguisher. Keep a working fire extinguisher in your home. Place it high on a wall near an exit. Learn how to use the device properly.  * Teach children to stop, drop and roll. Teach children what to do if their clothes catch on fire. Stop immediately and don't run; drop to the floor and cover the face with hands; and roll on the floor to put out flames.  * Practice an evacuation plan. Create an evacuation plan and practice it every six months. Determine two ways to exit each room and where to meet outside. Don't use lockable door knobs in a child's bedroom. Teach your children to leave a smoky area by crawling on the floor.