Protect your loved one's heart this Valentine's Day with these gifts:

Fruit basket: Fruit is essential to any nutritious diet and eating healthy is a great way to reduce your risk of heart disease. Fruit is rich in starch and fiber, but low in fat. A healthy diet can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and help keep your weight under control. Fad diets aren't helpful in maintaining a healthy weight, but including servings of fruit, vegetables and grains with every meal is. In the American Heart Association's ABCs campaign to prevent heart disease, the C stands for "Choose good nutrition." A fruit basket at your local florist costs from $35.99 and up.

Massage: Stress on you can lead to stress on the heart, according to some scientists. A massage either from a loved one or a masseuse at a Casper spa like Bamboo Spa & Salon can be the perfect relief. Stress may affect a person's risk factors for heart disease or stroke. People under stress may overeat or smoke, amplifying some of the risks. A relaxing massage at Bamboo costs between $65 and $75.

Spice rack: Cilantro, garlic, parsley and cumin are all good substitutes for salt. People should remove salt from their cooking and avoid eating food high in sodium. Sodium makes the body hold onto fluids and the heart has to work harder to pump the extra fluid. Reducing the amount of salt in your diet can help reduce high blood pressure. If your food is too bland without a little salt shake, try pepping up your foods with some spices found on most spice racks. Use fresh herbs or lemon to reduce your sodium intake even more. A spice rack at Bed, Bath and Beyond costs from $24.99 to $54.99.

MP3 music player: Good tunes help anyone get through a tough workout. Regular exercise can be one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. Try to exercise four to six times a week for about 30 minutes. MP3s are a great workout accessory because you can pick your favorite workout jams and put them on a play list entitled "Songs for the heart" or "Beats to beat heart disease." Apple.com sells the iPod nano starting at $149 and you can pick up a workout armband for an additional $29.

Dance lessons: Dance is a great way to get your heart pumping and an alternative to exercising on the boring treadmill. "Be more active" is the B in the American Heart Association's ABCs campaign to reduce heart disease. Exercise will help strengthen your cardiovascular system and keep your weight under control. It can also help lower bad cholesterol. Casper College offers a variety of dance classes for the public, including country swing, tango and ballroom dancing. Call the admissions office at (307) 268-2458 for more information.

Nicorette and other gum: Smoking is a huge risk factor for heart disease. In the American Heart Association's ABCs campaign to reduce heart disease, the A stands for "Avoid Tobacco." The chemicals in cigarettes and cigars damage and weaken your arteries. Quitting can be tough, but it's tougher to recover from a heart attack or live with a chronic disease. Nicorette gum and other products can help you control cravings and kick the habit for good. A box of Nicorette gum costs about $39.99 at most drug stores.

Cute red dress or red tie: Wear red to raise awareness about heart disease. Few people realize heart disease is the number one killer in both men and women. The disease is almost always preventable if people are aware of the risk factors. Feb. 1 was National Wear Red Day, but people are encouraged to wear red throughout the rest of the month. February is American Heart Month.