Diseases and injuries – Page 46 – watercress words by Dr Aletha

February Timely Topics- Hearts and Love

In this post I highlight February, American Heart Month, promoting heart health awareness, and Valentine’s Day on February 14, encouraging expressions of love and hope. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent on February 18. Consider Bookshop.org for unique Valentine’s gifts. See the heartfelt mural at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

updated January 29, 2026

Celebrate Your Heart

February is American Heart Month. On this blog, you can find information and inspiration to keep your heart healthy.

7 Keys to a Healthy Heart

February is American Heart Month, highlighting heart health amidst Valentine’s Day. In this post I outline seven major types of heart diseases and risk factors such as smoking and hypertension. Recognizing heart problem symptoms is crucial. Maintaining heart health involves addressing risk factors with healthy lifestyle choices. Share this vital information.

Keep reading

Celebrate Love

Valentine’s Day is February 14.

Share words of faith, hope, and LOVE whenever you have a chance.

tree with red leaves shaped like a heart — William Shakespeare, English playwright, poet, and actor graphic from Lightstock.com, stock photo site

Lent

In 2026, Ash Wednesday is on February 18, starting the Christian season of Lent.

The Practices of Lent: Fasting and Reflection

Lent, a 40-day period for fasting and abstinence (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

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Exploring and Sharing the HEART of Health

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Consider Bookshop.org for a Valentine’s Day gift for that special person, or anytime you want to remember a special occasion.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that financially supports local, independent bookstores.

We believe bookstores are essential to a healthy culture and they are dedicated to the common good.

Bookshop.org donates a portion of every sale to independent bookstores.

Medical stethoscope and heart on a textured background

Dr. Aletha

Cover Image

I took the cover photo at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. It is part of a mural outside the museum entrance. Each square is a picture drawn by a child and sent to Oklahoma City after the 1995 terrorist bombing, which killed 168 people, including several children.

Here is another part of the mural.

colorful painted tiles displayed on wall — Children painted tiles to express condolences when the federal building in Oklahoma City was bombed in 1995. The tiles are displayed outside the memorial museum now.

Light and Life Without Limbs-meet Nick Vujicic

Do you ever feel you can’t let your light shine? Nick Vijicic felt that way and he probably has a reason to. Nick was born with amelia- absence of arms and legs. He wondered what he could possibly accomplish without limbs.

updated September 28, 2023

Do you ever feel you can’t let your light shine? Maybe you think you don’t have any light to shine? I have, even as I write this blog or when I was taking care of patients.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Meet Nick Vujicic

Nick Vijicic felt that way and he probably has a reason to. Nick was born with amelia- the absence of arms and legs. He wondered what he could possibly accomplish without limbs.

Reflecting on Matthew 5, Nick wrote in his devotional book

Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life

Nothing will bring you down faster than living without purpose or losing track of whatever you are most passionate about, the gift that gives you joy and makes your life meaningful.

Finding purpose took Nick from being a depressed suicidal teenager to a man who “travels the world on God’s business” and has a “ridiculously good life” with his wife and children. He tells this story in his book

Love Without Limits: A Remarkable Story of True Love Conquering All

When our focus becomes self centered instead of God centered, we lose our greatest source of power. Our God given talents are meant to benefit others.

I agree with Nick. I became a doctor and write this blog to use my skills and knowledge to help you. Now that I am retired from practice, I’m learning the skills to do life coaching for the same reason. When I forget my purpose, these quickly become burdens instead of sources of joy and excitement.

Ask yourself these questions.

What in life matters to me?
What brings me joy?
What drives me and gives my life meaning?

exploring the HEART of health

I recommend Nick’s books where he tells the story of his remarkable life and more about what motivates and inspires him.

I’ve included some affiliate links to them, for your convenience and to help me fund this blog.

Thanks for joining me to meet Nick and explore his incredible journey. Please follow me here and on social media to explore and share the HEART of health.