Today, the date for the publishing of this column, is a special day, a day of love. We celebrate Valentine's Day, a time when children exchange valentines and a special day for lovers. This is usually symbolized by a heart. It is appropriate that February has been selected as National Heart Month, which is a special time to consider the health of our hearts.

It is interesting that in our youth, many have little interest or no interest in learning about health. That apparently changes with age. One of the major topics that older people discuss is health and medication.

A few years ago, the late Fred Wildermuth was at the counter at the bank visiting with two women working there. He was discussing the heart surgery that he recently had at that time. He made an amusing statement, "You probably thought I did not have a heart."

Sometimes it appears that there are some people who do not have a heart, yet everyone does. This little organ that we depend on for life has beaten a great number of times in our life. Steps need to be taken to preserve this special little unique machine.

This community is fortunate to have a good cardiopulmonary rehabilitation at Nevada Regional Medical Center. Many who have been involved with the rehab have commented about how good it is and how they have benefited.

Recently, the director of the rehab, Kelly McLemore, register nurse, was the guest speaker at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees chapter meeting, speaking on heart care. A news release by Madge Baze will give the report of the meeting. Kelly talked about the risk factor including age and sex. The gender is no longer a factor. With women in the work force, they are having a greater number of heart attacks -- women are out dying men. Inactivity, diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity are among the risk factors.

Cholesterol is a hot subject at the present time and the standard is being lowered. The standard is now below 200; the HDL, the good cholesterol, should be above 45; the LDL, lower density cholesterol which sticks to the veins standard was below 100. The standard now is that it needs to be below 80. This is rather a tough standard to meet, but needs to be done. What is your cholesterol? In observance of National Heart Month, NRMC will be offering Cholesterol Screening Feb. 27. The Cholesterol Screening will include a reading of total cholesterol LDL level, HDL level and triglycerides. The screening will be held in NRMC's Mezzanine Conference Room from 6:30 - 9 a.m. There will be a $12 charge for the test. All participants must schedule an appointment with the Community Education Department at (417) 448-3622. If you are not aware of your cholesterol level, this gives you an opportunity to have it checked.

According to Kelly the factors for cholesterol include family history and foods. She suggested using small amounts of butter. Be careful when using margarine.

Stay away from trans fat, you want the saturated fat. With family history, moderation is needed. Exercise will help. Take the cholesterol medication at bed time. She considers cholesterol medication as being pretty safe. Many people do not eat healthy and do not get any activity.

Diabetes was named as one of the risk factors. Kelly said that there are 3 million people with diabetes and they do not know they have it. Blood sugar levelsneed to be below 120. There are serious consequences for noncompliant. HbA1C, a blood test which shows the average sugar level for a two or three month period, should be taken.

Many people have a silent heart attack, not realizing a heart attack is occurring. Being tired may be a symptom of a heart attack occurring.

With the risk of family history there is no control. The ones in the family checked for family history are the mother, father, brothers and sisters. If a person has difficulty sleeping, sleep medication will not help.

Smoking is a major risk factor. Many do stop smoking after their first heart attack. After fast foods were introduced, there has been an increased in heart attacks. When a person has stress, it is important to talk to somebody.

Be your own advocate in health care. If a physician blows you off -- get another physician.

Kelly said if you think you are having a heart attack, chew an aspirin - 325 mg. drink a little water, call 911 and call a friend. Never drive yourself to the emergency room.

Her information needs to be taken seriously. For the sake of your family and love ones, take good care of your heart. Among the things that are needed is exercise and eating properly.