Colored porch lights can signify different things throughout the year.

For instance, when you see a blue porch light on a home in Sioux Falls chances are it means the people living in that house are supporters of our law enforcement community, or it could mean they are helping draw attention to Autism awareness.

A porch light that is lit up green typically signifies a home saluting our nation's Veterans.

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But what about a house with a red porch light lighting up the night in February?

Is it a home full of residents who can't let go of their Christmas spirit, ala Clark and Ellen Griswold? Or maybe with Valentine's Day just around the corner, they are simply letting their Heartlight shine? If you believe Sting and Police and their song about "Roxanne" it could designate the red-light district and the not-so-family-friendly occupation known as prostitution.

Those are all possible guesses, but, chances are a red porch light on a home here in Sioux Falls means something entirely different.

It's more than likely associated with Heart Health Month.

If you didn't know, the month of February is "Heart Health Month." A month set aside each year for people to focus on their cardiovascular health.

The American Heart Association uses the color red to help draw attention to all the fine work they do throughout February and the entire year to promote better heart health.

Go Red For Women is a great example of an organization that uses the color red to help convey a message. They encourage women of all ages to wear something red in February to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

Speaking of heart health, what steps can a person take to lead a more heart-healthy lifestyle?

According to the CDC, people should first learn their health history. See your doc, and have your heart checked out to see what kind of shape you're in.

Then, eat a healthy diet. You know the drill, more fruits, and veggies, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, less salt, basically all the stuff we like to complain about.

Another great way to promote better heart health is to get up off your fat butt and exercise. Physicians recommend we get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. You don't need to go into full Chuck Norris mode, just make a concerted effort to sit less, and move around more.

Another great way to promote heart health is by kicking the habit. If you're a smoker consider taking steps to quit and kick that nasty habit for good.

Other steps include things like, taking medication as directed, cutting back on alcohol, and sugary drink consumption, and keeping a close eye on your blood pressure at all times.

Adhering to these simple strategies are all positive and easy steps you can take to better long-term heart health.

You might consider letting your Heartlight shine this month, by plugging in a red light bulb outside your house and joining the fight to better heart health.

Source: CDC/American Heart Association/Go Red For Women