www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 6, 2009 - 15 Chef's Assagio Duo dei frutti di mare Scallop Ceviche Oysters & Pearls Valentine's Day What's love got to do with it? All you need is love? Not quite, but researchers found that women who report they feel loved and emotionally supported tend to have less severe coronary artery blockages than those who do not. This connection between feeling loved and being heart healthier was independent of other standard risk factors. Studies in men revealed similar findings coronary artery blockage is eased in those who feel loved. As far back as in 1965, an Alameda County, CA, study found that men and women who did not have love, support, and community ties were 1.9 to 3.1 times more likely to die prematurely. Scientists at Yale University looked at coronary arteries of 119 men and women and found those who felt the most loved had substantially less blockages. Researchers discovered the quality of the relationships (in the sense of feeling loved and emotionally supported) was a more important predictor of the severity of coronary artery blockages than was the number of relationships a person had. This finding was also independent of diet, smoking, exercise, cholesterol, genetics, and other risk factors. A 1992 study of 1,400 heart patients at Duke University Medical Center demonstrated the importance of having a close confidant with whom you talk regularly. All 1,400 patients had blocked coronary arteries. After five years, those who were unmarried and without a confidant were three times more likely to have died than those who were married or who had a close confidant. Some things you can do · Accept your friends' and loved one's flaws (and your own!). Learn to cooperate and compromise. If you are experiencing difficulty communicating in your relationships you might want to speak to a therapist or counselor about how you can improve your communication skills. · Ease stress in your life - Significant stress is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk and puts added tension into your relationships. · Exercise with loved ones. Exercise allows you to spend quality time with your partner or friends while also taking care of your heart. Try walking or riding bikes together. · Go out on dates with your significant other. You may have been together for years but that doesn't mean that romantic time together is any less important than it was in the beginning. · Remain intimate with your mate for both the physical and emotional benefits. If you're experiencing sexual problems, don't be afraid to consult your doctor - treatment options are available. It's the power of love The more you give, the more you get. As John Lennon said, "In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Fill your life with love and not only will you enrich your life, but you'll help your heart too. VALENTINE'S TASTING MENU Thursday February 12 Misticanza Daily Greens, Honey & Rosemary Vinaigrette Ravioli del tappeto erboso House made egg pasta stuffed with braised Oxtail & Lobster sauce Sorbetto del limone Pollo Al Forno Elora free range Chicken, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Valpolicella Jus Or Filetto di Manzo Top Meadow Farms Beef Tenderloin, Veal Sweetbreads, White bean & Pork Belly Ragu Molten Chocolate Cake with preserved Strawberries Chef's Seven Course Dinner $150 per couple Chef de cuisine Gordon Goss Lunch: Thursday and Friday 11:30am to 2:30pm Dinner: Tuesday thru Saturday 5:00pm to Close All major credit cards Reservations are accepted for Lunch & Dinner Cucci has a Week for Lovers Regular Menu plus Chef's features on Friday and Saturday or join us Sunday Night for the Fellini Wine lovers Chef's table 905.469.1811 WWW.CUCCI.CA OAKVILLE AT 119 JONES ST. La ke sh or eR d Jo ne sS t. Bro nte Rd. Get it right this Valentine's Honest results from your skin care experts for real women skin diagnosis skin diagnosis custom treatments custom treatments .W facials facials massages manicures massages manicures pedicures waxing pedicures IPL waxing holistic therapies holistic therapies T CARD GIF GIFT CARD FREE DOVE SPA "KATIE" Bear* for the first 100 customers purchasing a $100 gift card *can be purchased separately for $20 DOVE SPA IPLcolonics colonics Iro Av e qu oi s o Sh re Rd For a complete listing of Dove Spa products, services and pricing, please visit the Spa or www.dovespa.ca 335 Iroquois Shore Road, Oakville with pur EXPRESS FREE 1-888-SPA-DOVE (1-888-772-3683) af Tr alg Le ig QEW ar hl Rd d an 403 chase of MANICU $100 gif RE t card www.dovespa.ca