Half Moon Bay Students Learn About Heart Health

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay:

Rotarians joined the Nick of Time Foundation http://nickoftimefoundation.org/, volunteer medical professionals, Half Moon Bay High School alumni, Cabrillo School District staff, and other local volunteers in screening heart health for over 400 Half Moon Bay High School youth on Friday September 26.

This ambitious undertaking marks the first foray of Nick of Time Foundation (based in Washington State) into the state of California. Founder Darla Varrenti and mother of son Nick who succumbed to sudden cardiac arrest due to an undetected heart condition is an alum of Half Moon Bay High School and it was important to her personally to see Nick of Time at her alma mater. The Half Moon Bay High School program consisted of heart health screenings, education, and CPR training. This statement comes from the Nick of Time Foundation:

“On average, a seemingly healthy young person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest every three days in the US and it’s the leading cause of death in exercising young athletes. In most cases of sudden cardiac arrest, cardiac abnormalities are not detected, there are no warning signs, and unless a normal heart rhythm is restored within minutes, death is the end result.

The Nick of Time Foundation facilitates youth heart screenings, helps to provide program resources for public access defibrillator programs and teaches the importance of early bystander CPR/AED education and awareness, in an effort to provide “Heart Safe Zones” in our communities.

Nick of Time also works to educate and empower students, parents, coaches and members of the community in an effort to help reduce and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.”

(Image via Shutterstock)