Free EKG Testing To Be Offered To Lake Zurich High School Students

Lake Zurich High School is teaming up with the Max Schewitz Foundation to offer “Screens for Teens,” a free electrocardiogram (EKG), and, if necessary, a free echocardiogram to all students.

Adrienne Casanova, LZHS school nurse and representatives from the Max Schewitz Foundation presented the program to the Board of Education at the Committee of the Whole Meeting last month.

Casanova sought out the program, which will be offered at LZHS Feb. 8, 2012.

“As a nurse, it makes a lot of sense to me to do the EKG at the age of 14 because that is when the American Academy of Cardiologists recommends it," she said.

She attended screenings at other high schools in the area and came across the Max Schewitz Foundation at Libertyville High School.

“They (Max Schewitz Foundation) were the nicest and easiest to work with,” said Casanova.

According to the Max Schewitz Foundation, 300,000 people each year die from sudden cardiac death, topping lung cancer, breast cancer and AIDS.

The Max Schewitz foundation is named after 20-year-old Max Schewitz, who died suddenly from an undetected cardiac arrhythmia in 2005.

Casanova plans on sending out consent forms and questionnaires to parents two months ahead of time. The screening is voluntary and confidential.

The screening will be set up in the school gym and roughly 130 parent volunteers will be needed.

Board Members Tony DiPietro, Doug Goldberg and Kathleen Wallis volunteered their time at the meeting.

“I think this is great. I had one (EKG) last week and I think it’s fantastic we can provide this to our students,” said Goldberg.

It has been estimated that it will only take one day to screen all 2,300 students at LZHS.

“Screening is voluntary, but we hope everyone takes advantage,” said Casanova. “The Max Schewitz Foundation is hoping we get 80% of the student population.”

Cardiologists will be on site reading each EKG.

“If an EKG comes back abnormal, right there and then they will perform an echocardiogram, providing parents with additional information to bring to their own physician,” explained Casanova.

All readings, EKG’s and echocardiograms are free and available only to LZHS students.

After the screening in February, the Max Schewitz Foundation will come back every two years.

“The only request they made to us was to help out with their annual fundraiser by making baskets for their silent auction, sell tickets and get students to help out,” said Casanova.

If parents want to sign up to volunteer or learn more about the program, contact Adrienne Casanova at (847) 540-4114.

“If this program can keep just one person from suddenly collapsing and dying due to an undetected cardiac arrhythmia, then it’s worth it,” said Casanova.