On Feb. 7, St. Charles Cardiology and Children’s Heart Center of Central Oregon are teaming up to offer a new free event – Strong Hearts, Strong Teens – to screen more than 100 teenagers for serious heart conditions and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Attendees age 12-19 will receive a screening evaluation, including an EKG and limited echocardiogram, designed to assess for heart conditions that can cause cardiac arrest or may warrant further evaluation. Registration for the 128 available spots is required and will open Jan. 13 at 7 a.m. at stcharleshealthcare.org/teenhearts.
“More than 2,000 young people die every year in the U.S. from sudden cardiac arrest, with young athletes being particularly vulnerable. The good news is that most of the conditions that cause SCA are detectible through a heart screening, which is why we are excited to bring this screening event to Central Oregon,” said Dr. Urszula Tajchman, pediatric cardiologist with the Children’s Heart Center of Central Oregon.
Summit High School senior Francis Vowels, 17, is working to champion this event among her fellow students because she knows the importance firsthand. A heart screening a few months ago revealed Francis had a dangerous heart defect, which has since been repaired.
“I was so lucky my condition was discovered at one of the student-athlete screenings," said Vowels. "Most heart conditions like mine are detectable, but only with an EKG. It takes less than two minutes, it doesn't hurt and it can literally save your life."
The screening can detect concerns that are not typically picked up during a well child exam or routine sports physicals. Students attending Strong Hearts, Strong Teens will also receive training from professionals in use of AEDs (portable defibrillators) and CPR.
“We are thrilled to see an outpouring of support for this event from our health care partners and broader community. Thanks to the generosity of those who have donated to the Children’s Heart Fund at St. Charles Foundation, we all can come together to help keep our kids safe and healthy,” said Lesley Jones Larson with St. Charles Cardiology.
Strong Hearts, Strong Teens will take place at St. Charles Heart & Lung Center, 2500 NE Neff Road, Bend on Feb. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This event is made possible thanks to support from St. Charles Cardiology, the Children’s Heart Center of Central Oregon and community donations to St. Charles Foundation.
