“Cold hands, warm heart…” was one of my grandmother’s favorite quips. Winter is certainly cooperating with the cold weather this year and to stay true to the saying, this issue will warm your heart as we discuss rethinking heart health, relieving stress and self-love.

The heart is an amazing organ—the central hub of vitality in the body and commonly considered our emotional center. This month’s pioneering feature article by Linda Sechrist takes a comprehensive look at cardio health that includes a holistic acknowledgement of how emotional blockages integrate with physical functioning.

Valentine’s Day is filled with gifts of flowers, chocolates and hearts. These are powerful reminders of love and a great way to shower our loved ones with acts of kindness and devotion. By all means, let’s pour on the romance, candlelight and music. Hugs and kisses all around!

However, don’t mistake romance with loving support. Loving and being loved is vital to our happiness. Pioneering integrative medical doctors are now recognizing that it is also vital to our health; particularly to the physical health of our heart. Dr. Dean Ornish’s 35 years of research shows that symptoms of coronary heart disease can be reduced not only by following proper nutrition and fitness, but also by stress management, which can include caring love and support from a significant other, family or friends.

Whether you’re single or companioned, this heart-centered season is a choice time to reflect on the physical and emotional health of our own heart and the most cherished relationship we have… with ourself. Have you told yourself lately that you’re wonderful?

When it comes to good self-care, treating yourself to a massage or Bowenwork session may be just the ticket. Tightness and tension in the body causes stress. Therapeutic massage and bodywork/Bowenwork are proven ways to release tension and keep the body’s energy flowing. In these pages, you’ll find many other ways to take care of your personal health and wellness.

In closing, I offer a heartfelt tribute to my friend and golfing buddy, Raven Jones, the author of Cancer Recovery - A Daily Program to Heal Cancer Naturally. He has been a model of open-hearted love and compassion and a wonderful teacher and student. As he prepares for his transition from hospice this month, he continues to spread love and model self-care. God speed, Raven.

Thank you for joining us this month as we all explore fresh ways to better love ourselves, each other and the planet. As always, remember to feel better, live simply and laugh more.

Dave Korba, Publisher