Treat your Valentine right with these healthy (and romantic) tips

VALENTINE'S Day is Friday, and no matter how you feel about this holiday, one thing's for sure: Love is good for your health. Strive to have a fit, healthy and happy Valentine's Day this year by enrapturing your sweetie with the fitness lifestyle.

While good sex is wonderful - who doesn't love snuggling, hugging and kissing? - researchers seem to agree that strong bonds and loving relationships are just plain good for all humans beings.

Love improves your health, lengthens your life and helps the sick recover faster. Regardless of our eating and exercise regimes, love is the glue that keeps us all together.

First things first: If it's been a while, get your sweetie to the doctor for a checkup. Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death for all Americans.

Naturally, you want your partner with you for the long haul, so be sure your love is not at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type II diabetes and obesity.

If either your sweetheart or you smoke, work together on a plan for quitting.

Two heads are better than one. Besides, there are no benefits to smoking.

Smoking is bad for the health of the nonsmoker, too.

Remember, it's never too late to quit no matter how much or how long you have smoked. Give yourself and your sweetie a fighting chance against the deadly, preventable diseases this habit can cause.

If high blood pressure has your sweetie tied up in knots, pamper him or her with a full-body massage using exhilarating, fragrant oils. You can do a home massage or seek the services of a professional.

Most masseuses perform couples massage. In fact, a couples massage is a great way to simultaneously relax and bond with your sweetheart.

This year, cook up a sizzling, sexy, delectable aphrodisiac meal comprised of wild salmon, asparagus and avocado. For dessert, try dark-chocolate-covered figs.

Pair that salmon meal with a nice pinot noir for the perfect romantic holiday celebration.