Have a healthy Valentine’s Day Published Feb. 10, 2005 By Lisa Terry McKeown 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) -- Many Americans plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. The holiday originally marked the death of St. Valentine who secretly married couples in defiance of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Today, people are more likely to remember message written on tiny candy hearts than St. Valentine. Almost half of those celebrating the holiday plan on giving candy or chocolate to their Valentine along with the now-traditional flowers and cards. To keep New Year’s resolutions of getting fit, losing weight or eating healthy, Kevin Davalos, fitness program manager here, said people should think of their own hearts this Valentine’s Day. “The heart is the most important organ in the body and taking care of it is one of the most important things we can do to have a long and healthy life,” he said. Staff Sgt. Jean Novak, a diet technician at the health and wellness center here suggests taking a long walk or going to the gym with your valentine. Instead of the traditional box of chocolates, try exotic fruits, walnuts or even a bowl of strawberries. “Doing something active together will help people not only feel better about themselves, but about each other,” Sergeant Novak said. “If your significant other has made goals to live a healthy life, doing something ... to support that goal will make him or her feel like you really care.”Some other healthy options for Valentine’s Day include:-- Take a pilates or yoga class together. Not only are these classes great for increasing flexibility and meditation, but they are a great workout as well.-- Treat someone special to a massage. Nothing quite says “I love you” like giving him or her a few moments of relaxation and relief from everyday cares. Whether at home or at the spa, a massage can give that much-needed moment of zen.-- Cook a healthy and romantic meal at home. Whip up a low-fat, low-calorie meal together. Lock out the rest of the world and take some time to enjoy each other’s company.-- Dance the night away. Burn off calories together on the dance floor. Whether it is tango, waltz, hip hop or swing, dancing can burn more than 300 calories per hour.- Keep it simple. Stress that often comes with expectations can also become unhealthy. Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love and appreciating those one loves. In the end, letting that special someone know how you feel is more important than any piece of jewelry or box of chocolates. By keeping things simple, stress levels will be lower and everyone can truly relax and enjoy the day.