Schools

Big Turnout for Free Cardiograms at Lyons Township High School

School board members said they were pleased with how a recent free cardiogram screening for students went Nov. 17-18 at both campuses.

District 204 school board members said they were pleased with how a recent free heart screening was conducted at Lyons Township High School's and Campuses at a Nov. 21 school board meeting.

"We had a lot of kids access this," said Superintendent Dr. Timothy Kilrea. "It's probably the largest student population event we've done."

According to school officials, 810 students at South Campus and 665 students at North Campus got a free electrocardiogram (ECG) screening on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18. The free screening was sponsored by the Midwest Heart Foundation through their . 

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Kilrea said he heard from many parents who appreciated the opportunity to get their kids screened. Due to the success of the program, the school will be looking to test students again in 2013. The Midwest Heart Foundation recommends schools offer the free screening every other year.

Students who participated in the program were given a free electrocardiogram screening to test for risk of sudden cardiac death. A cardiologist will review each student's readings and parents will receive an email notification that the results are ready in about three to four weeks. Parents can follow up the readings if necessary with a visit to their primary care physician.

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According to the Midwest Heart Foundation, approximately 30 young people die each week from sudden cardiac death and roughly a third of those deaths could be prevented with a simple ECG test.


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