Heart Association kicks off American Heart Month

Pharmacy Technician Shane Purdy wore his red shirt Friday to help raise awareness of heart health issues. Purdy and fellow Whaley's East End Pharmacy employees wore red Friday for the 10th Annual National Wear Red Day.
Pharmacy Technician Shane Purdy wore his red shirt Friday to help raise awareness of heart health issues. Purdy and fellow Whaley's East End Pharmacy employees wore red Friday for the 10th Annual National Wear Red Day.

February is American Heart Month, a tradition practiced since 1963 to raise awareness about heart disease and heart health.

The American Heart Association kicked off the month-long campaign Thursday evening with a Stress-LESS Seminar at Jefferson City Medical Group Laser and Vein Center. Friday was the 10th Annual National Wear Red Day, drawing attention to cardiovascular disease and the efforts to prevent it.

"This is really the perfect opportunity for the community to come together and focus on heart health," said Becki Collier, corporate events director with the American Heart Association.