Valentine's Day ... It's Not Happy for All
The New Year has barely begun, yet stores are already dotted with red and pink cupids, lacey hearts and lovey paraphernalia aplenty. It can only mean one thing ... Valentine's Day is nigh.

This can be a tough time of year for some students, as they choose to focus on not having a partner or the difficult times they're going through with a current partner, rather than the love that is in their life.

You can help by reminding them about the various "loves of their life," including:

• Pets—A photo of his favorite furry friend may be just what he needs to get him out of a "woe with me" funk!
  
• Friends—Encourage her to spend time with good friends as a reminder of how lucky she is.
  
• Siblings—Drawings, phone calls or funny emails from brothers and sisters can be great distractions.
  
• Grandparents—Who doesn't love a Valentine's card from Grandma or Grandpa?
  
• You—In your own way, let your student know how much you love him. It can really make a difference, especially during this cupid-happy time of year!

And also realize that, despite your best efforts, your student may still feel lonely and depressed this Valentine's Day. If you sense that she isn't handling it well, encourage her to visit the campus counseling center, where she'll find good folks who love students and want to help them live happy, healthy lives.

Heart Health
Valentine's Day can be a good time for you and your student to focus on your heart health. This might include:

• engaging in aerobic activity and reporting back to one another
  
• going to the doctor for a check-up
  
• reading publications like Prevention magazine
  
• learning the warning signs of heart attack/stroke
  
• taking a CPR course
  
• comparing notes on heart-friendly foods

Learn more from the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.