As a kid I loved getting all those hand-cut, pastel cardboard Valentine's Day cards from my classmates. Didn't you love that? It put a big smile on my face, especially when I got a card from Leisl Herman, who I had a crush on. Somewhere between 5th grade and college the teachers sadly dropped that activity. If you're reading this, then you're probably no longer in grade school getting those warm, fuzzy valentines with the heart-shaped crunchy candies. But that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun and smile around February 14th.
Get your smile ready. Did you ever think that I would also be a poet? This limerick for Valentine's Day just popped in my head when I was working out.
There was a lass with eyes of blue -
Word spread of her dazzling hue!
At times she was taken,
True love was forsaken,
Now wiser, she seeks serious woo.
Now that I've got you smiling, be sure to spread the smiles. Wish someone, anyone, "Happy Valentine's Day!" Even better, then give 'em a good hug. Hugs are good for your health. It's all about human touch. In medical school I learned of a study that found heart attack patient survival in the intensive care unit was higher in the group where the nurse held the patient's hand vs. no hand holding. So hug away on Valentine's Day!
Another prescription that I can offer is to have some dark chocolate -- 100 percent guilt-free.
There are health benefits to the melt-in-your-mouth stuff too:
- Improved vision
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Reduce Stress
- Lessens Risk of Heart Failure
- Provide Sun Protection
- Access Higher Intelligence
- Deliver Powerful Antioxidants