Glenbard South Teams Up with Young Hearts for Life to Protect Teens

About 30 teens die every week from sudden cardiac death. And, roughly 40 percent of young adults at risk for sudden death may have problems detected with an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Those are the facts from Young Hearts for Life, a cardiac screening program that will be at Glenbard South High School early next month.

The Midwest Heart Foundation, under the direction of Dr. Joseph Marek, a clinical cardiologist with Midwest Heart Specialists, created the program offering free ECGs to high school students in area schools, according to the organization.

The tests determine if students are at risk for sudden cardiac death and specific heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the leading cause of death in young athletes.

Locally, the Young Hearts for Life Cardiac Screening Program travels to different schools offering the free screening, according to the organization. Doctors donate their time to read the test results, and community volunteers are trained to perform the screening.

The Midwest Heart Foundation and Advocate Charity Foundation in partnership with Glenbard South will bring the Young Hearts for Life screenings to Glenbard South on Nov. 8, according to Glenbard District 87. Students whose parents authorize testing will be screened as part of this free program.  

Many Glenbard South students were screened two years ago, but the district said it is important that they be screened again because significant physiological changes occur during adolescence.  The ECG testing is recommended every two years.

In addition, volunteers are needed to help with the screening. Volunteers must go through training the day before the screenings take place. Download a volunteer form. 

Parents may learn more about the program and register online.

Volunteers will be provided with training Nov. 7. Volunteers are asked to help for at least four hours on the screening day. Two training sessions are offered at Glenbard South on Nov. 7: either 5:30 to 7 p.m. or 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Young Hearts For Life Cardiac Screening is being provided to Glenbard South by Midwest Heart Foundation/Advocate Charity Foundation and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.  Anyone with questions may call 785-4366 or visit Midwest Heart Foundation.