It makes sense that a month that includes Valentine’s Day would also end up designated American Heart Month.

February is a great time to start thinking about more than just cards, chocolates and roses. It’s a time to think about ways to keep our hearts healthier.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States — among men AND women. But in many cases, there is plenty we can do to prevent it.

NHLBI suggests adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle: understand your own risks, get enough good sleep; eat a heart-healthy diet; maintain a healthy weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure; move more (be more active); and stop smoking.

Not everyone can do all of those things (or even one or two of those things) without some help. But there are resources available throughout our communities.

Tackling some of the challenges that stand in the way of healthier hearts can be difficult. It is not always easy to get enough sleep, manage stress, eat well, exercise enough, get to our checkups and give up bad habits.

But for our own sake and the sake of those who love and depend on us, we’ve got to try — maybe not all at once, but little steps at a time. After all, every month it’s important that the beat goes on.