Strong Hearts, Strong Teens screens 100 students

Each year, thousands of teenagers die when their heart suddenly stops beating without warning, an event known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

But SCA is preventable through awareness, education and direct intervention, and protecting our kids’ hearts is a responsibility we all share. That’s why St. Charles hosted a Strong Hearts, Strong Teens screening on Feb. 7 — because every teen deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, active life without this looming threat.

Led by St. Charles Cardiology in partnership with The Children’s Heart Center of Central Oregon, Strong Heart, Strong Teens included a blood pressure check, EKG and limited echocardiogram plus AED and CPR training. This screening program is designed to detect four serious heart conditions that are not typically identified during a standard sports physical or well-child visit.

More than 100 students received free heart screenings at the event, which was made possible by community donations through St. Charles Foundation. Thank you to all the caregivers and volunteers who helped make the Strong Hearts, Strong Teens a success!