On Saturday May 5, beginning at 8 a.m., the Long Beach School District and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health Care System will be offering a free voluntary screening heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) and electrocardiogram (ECG) for Long Beach Middle School eighth graders who plan to participate in district sports programs.
The ultrasound exam is conducted to identify abnormalities that may not be apparent on customary pre-participation physical examinations. The exam evaluates the size and function of the left pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) and the size of the main artery of the body (aorta), as well as the function of its valve (aortic valve). Abnormal left ventricular size (cardiomyopathy) or abnormal aorta size or function may result in abnormalities of heart function when an individual participates in organized, competitive sports.
Parents who are interested in having their children participate in the free screening must fill out a consent form and questionnaire and submit them to the Middle School Health Office as soon as possible. For more information, contact Barbara Young RN, or MaryBeth Thurston RN, at the Middle School (516-897-2150).
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This program was made possible by a grant from Ms. Susan Helsinger, The Jason Gruen-Helsinger Foundation and State Senator Charles Fuschillo.
