In partnership with the Thomas Smith Memorial Foundation, McKenzie Health System, and Marlette Regional Hospital, Hurley Children’s Hospital is offering FREE Teen Heart Health Checks to students ages 13 to 19 on Saturday, February 11th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Sandusky Elementary School.
This special program offers an in-depth, noninvasive heart screening that includes a medical history, blood pressure check, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). A cardiologist will evaluate each student and an echocardiogram will be provided, if needed. The screening looks for evidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a serious condition that can cause sudden cardiac death in young athletes as well as in students engaging in physical activity or exercise.
“Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death in young athletes. This program is saving lives, and detecting serious conditions. A screening only takes 30 minutes, and can offer peace of mind to students and their families, concerned about the risk of sudden cardiac death and premature hypertension,” said Dr. Jim Weber, ER Physician on staff at Hurley.
Teens must pre-register to participate as space is limited. To register, please contact McKenzie Health System at 810-648-6120. Teens participating in the screening event will need to have their parents complete a registration packet that can be downloaded from www.TommysHeart.org
These free Teen Health Checks are made possible in part by the Thomas Smith Memorial Foundation, created in memory of Thomas N. Smith, 17, a Flushing High School senior, who passed away in 2011 from an undiagnosed, enlarged heart. Co-founder of the Foundation and Thomas’ mom, Mary Smith, estimates that 1% of students screened at these events are found to have a life-limiting heart condition that would go undetected otherwise. Thomas’ memory will live on by offering young athletes throughout Michigan these teen heart screenings. Please join us for this unique screening event!
