It is February again, with its chilly days and warm Valentines’ expressions. Consumption of chocolate will likely go up this month. It’s a stimulating, sensual gift whose pinch of guilty pleasure is soothed by increasing evidence that chocolate can have significant health benefits. Finally, it’s important to find a way to express love and appreciation, and to make another smile. 
    Since the ‘60s, February has also been known as American Heart Month. Every year during this month, the American Heart Association works to stimulate awareness and raise funds for research and education about heart disease and stroke. There is much we can do at the grassroots. Visit YoureTheCure.org/aha/advocacy/default.aspx for tools offering real opportunity to support healthier communities and healthier lives right here in the Bay Area.
    Our February issue of Natural Awakenings offers a special focus on Friendship and Biological Dentistry. For encouraging examples of the many ways friendships sustain, nourish and support us, check out writer Judith Fertig’s “The Power of Friendship” (page 28). For insight on how today’s functional dentistry is connecting oral health to sleep apnea and heart disease, read “Your Mouth Tells a Story”, by writer Linda Sechrist (page 32). Turn these pages for much, much more.
    Loving, healing, wellness… it doesn’t get any better than this. As always, open your mind and read on.