The AHA dubbed February as American Heart Month, and to chip in, MSU Bakers is promoting special Valentine’s Day-themed cookie packages and will donate one dollar of each purchase to the AHA.

According to the AHA, cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than any other disease, including all forms of cancer.

Designating February as heart month is meant to educate people about heart disease, AHA spokeswoman Cynthia Zeito said.

MSU Bakers’ lead decorator Teresa Fortino said donating to the AHA is MSU Bakers’ way of giving back.

“We like to help out when we can. It is for such a good cause,” Fortino said. “I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t been touched by heart disease.”

Media arts and technology senior Kelsey Connor, a decorator at MSU Bakers, spent a few hours Wednesday morning decorating dozens of the heart-shaped cookies and is happy she can contribute to the AHA, she said.

“I think it’s awesome that we’re doing the donation thing for this month,” Connor said. “It’s important, and it’s (going to) help a lot of people.”

Dr. Margaret Aguwa, associate dean in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, said developing heart disease is a long-term process, and it takes living a healthy lifestyle to prevent it.

“One need(s) to develop a long-term mechanism in taking care of themselves,” Aguwa said.

Supply chain management junior Jake Alsip said he recognizes how serious cardiovascular disease is and tries to keep healthy habits while in school that can pay off later in life.

“If you get used to being active now when you have downtime outside of classes, you’ll be able to carry that in your downtime of work when you’re older,” Alsip said.

Aguwa said exercising regularly, not smoking and reducing stress are things students can do in order to maintain heart and overall health.

Keeping a positive attitude and managing stresses are important and sometimes difficult for students, but can help maintain heart health throughout life, she said.

“Those who have a more positive attitude about life tend to live longer (and) have lesser diseases and illnesses,” Aguwa said. “And (they) overall do better in their health.”