A healthy heart for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a perfect time to be reminded that, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.

There are many ways to combat heart disease, and being happily married could be one of them. Studies show that happily married couples live longer and healthier lives than single people. One study states definitively that the happiness of married people is significantly greater.

Some experts think one reason for that is stress reduction. Cardiovascular, hormonal and immune pathways are important to a person's well-being, and stress can have a negative effect on these systems. Being part of a team makes married people better equipped to handle stress.

Pooling their incomes also helps married couples reduce their stress. Two people can live more cheaply than a single person by sharing housing costs, groceries and other expenses.

The only area where married people scored lower than singles was in the weight department. Studies show that married adults, particularly men, weigh more and have higher rates of obesity than single adults. People who have never married are the least likely to be obese, according to research. Obesity can lead to Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

If you're married and celebrating Valentine's Day, why not think outside the candy box this year and give a healthful gift, such as a fresh fruit basket, gym membership or gift certificate to your nearby health food store?

Even if you're single, you can still enjoy Valentine's Day. Giving just plain feels good, and you can give gifts to anyone in your life with whom you're close, whether it's a spouse, partner, boss, child, best friend or parent. And giving to your favorite charity always feels right.

So have a happy Valentine's Day, and stay heart-healthy while you're doing it.