Dignity Health Encourages a Holistic Approach to Love and Wellness this Valentine’s Day: Celebrate with Heart-Healthy Gifts and Experiences

San Andreas, California (February 7, 2026) – This Valentine's Day, amidst American Heart Month, Dignity Health invites everyone to reconsider how they celebrate love. Rather than just traditional tokens like chocolates and flowers, we champion a holistic approach: deepening connections through gifts and experiences that genuinely nourish well-being, acknowledging that strong social connections and mental well-being are powerful, often overlooked, drivers of heart health for both individuals and relationships. 

"This Valentine's Day presents a unique opportunity to intertwine our expressions of love with meaningful investments in health," says Dr. Pardeep Athwal of Dignity Health Mark Twain Medical Center. "It's about demonstrating care that truly lasts – by fostering physical wellness, mental well-being, and genuine connection. What could be more romantic than committing to a healthy, happy future together?" 

With heart health at the forefront of February's initiatives, Dignity Health recognizes that true love also means prioritizing the sustained vitality of ourselves and our loved ones. 

Dignity Health's 2026 Heart Healthy & Holistic Valentine's Day Inspirations:

• The Mindful Indulgence Basket: Elevate the classic gift basket. Think antioxidant-rich dark chocolate (in moderation!), a selection of premium loose-leaf herbal teas, fresh seasonal berries, gourmet nuts, a soothing aromatherapy candle, or a personalized journal. It's about quality, presence, and mindful enjoyment. 
• Experience-Over-Things Adventures: Create lasting memories by focusing on shared experiences. Consider a scenic hike, a couple's dance class, a guided meditation workshop, a cooking class focused on healthy cuisine, or even a session of indoor rock climbing. It promotes physical activity and strengthens your bond. 
• The "Heart-Smart" Home-Cooked Meal: Ditch the reservations and prepare a special dinner together. Opt for lean proteins like baked salmon or plant-based options, vibrant vegetables, whole grains, and use healthy fats like olive oil.
• Shared Wellness Journey: Take practical steps toward collective well-being. This could involve gifting a new fitness tracker, signing up for a virtual wellness challenge together, scheduling a joint health screening, or simply establishing a shared goal like a weekly walk or cooking healthy meals together. It signifies a joint commitment to health. 
• The Gift of Presence & Relaxation: In our busy world, true presence is a gift. Unplug together for an evening, enjoy a couple's massage, practice gentle stretching or yoga, or simply engage in heartfelt conversation without distractions. Prioritize mental peace and emotional connection. 

"Valentine's Day reminds us to cherish the people who make our lives richer. By choosing gifts and activities that promote health and well-being, we're not just showing love for a day – we're building a foundation for a lifetime of shared happiness and vitality," adds Dr. Athwal of Dignity Health. 

This Valentine's Day, Dignity Health encourages everyone to make choices that celebrate love in its most profound and health-conscious forms. For more insights on heart-healthy living and wellness resources, please visit www.DignityHealth.org. 

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About Mark Twain Medical Center 
Founded in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, critical access hospital providing inpatient acute care, outpatient services and emergency services; including Specialty Care Centers and four community Medical Centers. Our Medical Staff represents a broad range of specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural community.