RWJUH Somerset to Host Free Cardiac and Concussion Screenings for Young Athletes on February 4, 2017

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – Free cardiac and concussion screenings for young athletes ages 14 to 18 will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (RWJUH) Family Practice,110 Rehill Avenue in Somerville, N.J.

RWJUH Somerset cardiologists, nurses and technicians will conduct the evaluations, which include a cardiovascular history and physical exam, blood pressure screening, body metrics and an electrocardiogram. In addition, an echocardiogram can be performed if indicated. Results will be given to students to share with their personal physicians.

The screenings look for major abnormalities known to cause sudden cardiac death (SCD), such as cardiac arrest. SCD is an unexpected death caused by ventricular fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm from the lower chambers of the heart) and is almost always fatal. Sudden cardiac death affects an average of 1 in 100,000 student athletes nationwide each year.

“Young athletes are at an increased risk for suffering from SCD compared to their non-athlete peers. In fact, about 3,000 young people die from sudden cardiac arrest each year,” said Steven Georgeson, MD, cardiologist at RWJUH who is leading the screenings. “If a young athlete goes untested, the combination of physical exercise and an underlying heart disorder can trigger cardiac arrest or lead to potentially irreversible consequences. Obtaining screenings is an important step in preventing serious or fatal injury for your loved ones.”

In addition to screening for abnormalities which cause SCD, the cardiologists will assess the student’s risk for future heart problems based on their weight and blood pressure.

A free ImPACT baseline concussion test will also be available for athletes in grades six to 12. This is a non-invasive, computerized exam that provides useful information for evaluation and rehabilitation of the young athlete in the event of a future brain or head injury. In order to best assess when a young athlete is able to return to play and normal activities following a concussion, it is helpful to have a baseline evaluation of the athlete before an injury occurs.

The number of concussions in high school sports has doubled in the past five years. Studies indicate that students participating in sports such as football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, baseball and softball are most at risk.

RWJUH also offers a Concussion Recovery Program that is comprised of a team of specialists using cutting-edge research and a wealth of physical medicine experience to address short and long-term symptoms of concussions and helps individuals get back to normal life and sport activities as quickly and safely as possible. Post-concussion care includes a physician evaluation, ImPACT post-injury testing and physical therapy. For more information about the Concussion Recovery Program at RWJUH, visit http://www.rwjuh.edu/ssp/concussion-recovery-program.aspx.

A parent or guardian must accompany each student to the cardiac and concussion screenings. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 908-685-2814. The cardiology department at RWJUH Somerset has been screening local high school athletes since 2009 and has screened more than 800 students. For more information on screenings, visit www.rwjuh.edu/athletescreening.

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About Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) is a 965-bed academic medical center with campuses in New Brunswick and Somerville, NJ. Its Centers of Excellence include cardiovascular care from minimally invasive heart surgery to transplantation, cancer care, stroke care, neuroscience, joint replacement, and women’s and children’s care including The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (www.bmsch.org).

As the flagship Cancer Hospital of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the principal teaching hospital of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, RWJUH is an innovative leader in advancing state-of-the-art care. A Level 1 Trauma Center and the first Pediatric Trauma Center in the state, RWJUH’s New Brunswick campus serves as a national resource in its ground-breaking approaches to emergency preparedness.

RWJUH has been ranked among the best hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report seven times and has been selected by the publication as a high performing hospital in numerous specialties. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital has been ranked among the best hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report three times. In addition, RWJUH was named among the best places to work in health care by Modern Healthcare magazine and received the Equity of Care Award as Top Hospital for Healthcare Diversity and Inclusion from the American Hospital Association.

Both the New Brunswick and Somerset campuses have earned significant national recognition for clinical quality and patient safety, including the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence and “Most Wired” designation by Hospitals and Health Networks Magazine. The Joint Commission and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services have designated the New Brunswick Campus as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and the Somerset Campus as a Primary Stroke Center.

The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer has rated RWJUH New Brunswick among the nation’s best comprehensive cancer centers and designated the Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJ Somerset as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center. The Joint Surgery Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for total knee and total hip replacement surgery.

RWJ’s New Brunswick and Somerset campuses are now part of RWJBarnabas Health. RWJBarnabas Health is the most comprehensive health care delivery system in New Jersey, treating over 3 million patients a year. The system includes eleven acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, RWJUH in New Brunswick and Somerville, RWJUH- Hamilton, RWJUH- Rahway and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital (Children’s Specialized Hospital), a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, a medical group, multi-site imaging centers and four accountable care organizations.

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s second largest private employer – with more than 32,000 employees, 9,000 physicians and 1,000 residents and interns – and routinely captures national awards for its outstanding quality and safety.

For more information, visit us online at www.rwjuh.edu.