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Valentine’s Day may be associated with candy, flowers, and grand romantic gestures – but what could be more romantic than improving the heart health of the ones you love? It might not sound glamorous at first, but while you’re spreading the love on this holiday, you can also spread some awareness about heart health, heart disease, and how to protect yourself and your family from heart-related problems.

February is American Heart Month, which makes it an ideal time to check in on your cardiovascular health. Heart disease is still the number one killer of both men and women in the United States (and worldwide), but there are several practical ways to make sure that you and your family reduce their risk. Decreasing the amount of saturated fat in your diet, increasing the duration and frequency of cardiovascular exercise, and knowing your vital signs (think resting heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels) are three great ways to get started on a path to heart health.

Want even more of a challenge? Try establishing a heart-healthy ritual during the month of February. It can be something as simple as taking a family hike every Saturday or even something as drastic as eliminating processed foods from your household for the entire month. Ask your FitOrbit trainer to design a cardiovascular workout that you can do with a partner or with your family to make your cardio double as quality time. Feeling extra confident? Make this the month you quit smoking, the number one behavior correlated with heart disease. Studies confirm that it only takes 21 days to establish a new habit, so use February’s 29 days to solidify a lifestyle change that will benefit your health.

Next, consider February your annual reminder to make medical appointments for life-saving health screenings, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol testing. Many clinics offer specials or even free screenings during American Heart Month, so there is no better time to check with your doctor for promotions on these necessary tests. Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays and new year, even the best healthy “resolutions” can go by the wayside – which is why a calmer February is a great time to reevaluate heart-healthy habits and ask your doctor about ways to improve your overall well-being, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or a stressful, high-risk lifestyle.

Third, take the initiative to do some at-home research about heart disease and its signs and symptoms. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and an unusually rapid heartbeat are the better-known symptoms of heart dysfunction, but even seemingly innocuous changes like disrupted sleeping patterns, daytime fatigue, or ankle swelling can be signs of heart problems. The more you know about what causes heart disease and how to combat it, the lower your risk. Finally, make Valentine’s Day a healthy holiday by focusing on food and fitness instead of indulgence and inactivity. Challenge your partner to cook a healthy meal for two (wild salmon, oats, and flaxseed are all heart-protective power foods) while you plan a scenic post-dinner walking route around the neighborhood. Purchase health-minded gifts for each other as encouraging reminders of your shared goal – think heart rate monitors, pedometers, or salt-free spices. Envision this Valentine’s Day as the first day of your renewed commitment to bettering your heart health – not just for you, but for the sake of the ones you love.