The message is essentially repeated to us every February, American Heart Month, with some minor repackaging. But there’s no doubt about it – lifestyle decisions can kill us, breaking the hearts of our survivors.

We are surrounded by premature death and illness. There isn’t an American family that hasn’t mourned the loss of parents, brothers, sisters and children long before their natural time.

Think about your own family and all the consequences that flow from losing a parent’s love, guidance and support. Like the character George Bailey in the inspirational classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” each of us is a key link in many lives. The world will go on without us, but we each have real meaning and value.

How to keep our hearts well or improving their prospects is no great mystery. Don’t smoke. Get some exercise, even if only by walking 20 or 30 minutes a day. Keep meal portions within reason and don’t be a member of the “Clean Plate Club.” Slow down on between-meal snacks, sugary drinks and factory-processed foods. Have a modest serving of nuts instead of a bag of chips. Consider taking fish oil capsules. Ask your doctor about a baby aspirin a day.

It is easy to feel intimidated by things like computing your body mass index, or to feel painted into a corner by past mistakes. Don’t make things too complicated.

If you’re 40 pounds overweight, losing five may seem pointless. But it isn’t, so long as even a small drop in weight is the result of a sustainable change in diet or behavior.

Living longer and better is a matter of countless incremental decisions. Having a piece of pie today doesn’t mean you have to have one tomorrow. Nor does avoiding a treat today mean that you have to commit to never, ever having one again.

If not for yourself, think about what it will mean to your loved ones if you die or become physically disabled. Avoiding these consequences is worth taking a walk tonight and skipping the fries with lunch.