This is also the perfect time to focus on the message being promoted by the American Heart Association. At the beginning of the month, the organization launched its Go Red movement, targeted toward awareness of strokes and heart disease in women. While it's become the number one killer of women in America, heart disease does not distinguish between men and women.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of heart attack and coronary disease in both sexes. Check-ups are essential but proper nutrition and exercise is also part of the deal.

In our area, we are fortunate to have access to reclaimed railroad tracks which have been converted into walking trails. The Montour Trail covers 40 miles between Coraopolis and Hendersonville. On Tuesday, three steel girders were put in place to bridge the gap between Cecil Township and the 3.5-mile section of the trail in Peters Township known as the Arrowhead Trail.

Volunteers have made financial contributions to help meet the matching fund requirements. Both Peters Township and Bethel Park have contributed more than 1,000 tons of recycled asphalt from road projects to be used in the project. Contractor, Mingo Creek Construction, has also donated to the project.

It is encouraging to know there is so much teamwork for such a positive venture and it opens the door to other projects. Cooperation among municipalities as well as the private sector always accomplishes so much more than just sitting back and waiting for someone else to do the work.

We have had a mild winter allowing us the opportunity to not be stuck inside doing nothing. We can easily use what will soon be a newly-enhance resource in our backyard to implement a walking routine. It's a simple step in the right direction to helping yourself to become healthier.

Taking care of your heart is a good bandwagon to jump on. Put a different meaning to Valentine's Day this year by making the decision to get a check-up and start exercising.