Valentine's Day: 7 ways celebrating may harm your health

Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is here. Whether you're celebrating alone or with that special someone, today's holiday may tug at more than just your heartstrings. From too much alcohol to too few safety precautions, Valentine's Day celebrations can lead to some unexpected health problems. Keep clicking for a list of seven ways Cupid might shoot an arrow through your health, with tips from the CDC...

Valentine's Day: 7 ways celebrating may harm your health

1. Sugar/sodium overload

Valentine's Day may be synonymous with chocolate - but that's no excuse to go overboard. A little dark chocolate has been found to help your heart, but too much sugar is especially dangerous for diabetics.

Some dates might choose to go out to dinner this Valentine's, but restaurant food is sometimes loaded with salt and fat. The CDC recommends you make a healthy meal at home loaded with fruits and vegetables.

Valentine's Day: 7 ways celebrating may harm your health

2. Getting too close - and spreading germs

Think today's the day to get as close as possible to loved ones? If you or someone you know is sick, think again. As the CDC says, "spread love, not germs." Remember to use latex condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancies.

Also if your partner is sick with a cold or flu, avoid contact and wash your hands often.

Valentine's Day: 7 ways celebrating may harm your health

3. Risky travels

Planning a romantic getaway? Remember to get all required vaccines and to bring any special items you may need, such as sunscreen or mosquito repellent. If you're going on a cruise, be sure to check the sanitation inspection scores for specific ships beforehand.

Valentine's Day: 7 ways celebrating may harm your health

4. Binging on bubbly

Toast to your love, or to yourself, but do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk for many harmful health conditions, the CDC says. It is also the third leading cause of preventable death. Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not drink any alcohol.

Valentine's Day: 7 ways celebrating may harm your health

5. Surprise allergies

Want to surprise loved ones? Taking chances with a new food or present may backfire if they respond with an unexpected allergic reaction. Be conscious of whether certain foods (such as nuts), stuffed animals, pets or flowers may trigger an allergic reaction.

Valentine's Day: 7 ways celebrating may harm your health

6. Fire

Candlelit dinners and fireplaces are romantic - but watch the sparks. If you decide to cook a romantic dinner, don't leave flames unattended.

Valentine's Day: 7 ways celebrating may harm your health

7. Unsafe meals

Eating out tonight? According to the CDC, more than half - 59 percent - of foodborne illnesses involve food prepared in a restaurant. The CDC recommends that when you get to the restaurant, look at how clean things are before you even sit down. Make sure to order food that is cooked thoroughly, and if you take home leftovers, remember to put the food in the fridge - fast. Take the same precautions even if you're eating at home.