TYNGSBOROUGH PTO OFFERING IN-SCHOOL HEART SCREENINGS

Program Open To Town Residents In Aftermath Of MA Student Athlete Deaths

Tyngsboro, MA – 07 May 2007:  In hopes of preventing a repeat of the recent tragic deaths of two Massachusetts high school athletes, the Tyngsborough Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will sponsor a Healthy Heart Screening Program at the elementary, middle, and high schools. Screenings will be done during normal school hours, similar to the way school pictures are taken.

The program, run by HeartScreen America, Inc., will take place in the schools from June 4-6. There will also be a session on June 4 from 4-7 PM at the Tyngsborough High School (36 Norris Road) for the general public ages 6 and up. Pre-registration for all sessions is required between May 16 and May 30 at www.HeartScreenAmerica.com or by calling 978-474-8008. Parents who would prefer to accompany their children for screening can sign up their children, and themselves, for the Monday evening session.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) claims over 5,000 young American lives each year. Many seemingly healthy children die suddenly and unexpectedly every year from a heart problem that can often be detected with a simple, painless, non-invasive test, the electrocardiogram. The recent deaths of two Massachusetts lacrosse players serve as a grim reminder of this phenomenon.

"I am delighted that HeartScreen America is coming to Tyngsborough," said School Committee member Diana Keohane. "I am grateful that our PTO agreed to bring this life saving program to our schools. If the life of only one child or adult in our community is saved through early detection of heart problems, their efforts will have been rewarded infinitely. I hope that all students, their parents, and other members of this community will take advantage of this low cost heart screening that could save a life."

The PTO is optimistic that the convenience of in-school screenings will encourage parents to have their children screened. PTO member Rae Ann Jacek points out that the timing is right, as Tyngsborough elementary school students recently raised money for the American Heart Association, so awareness of heart health has been established. The heart screening will take place after MCAS testing, to avoid disruption for students.

"If you don't make it easy for people, they're not going to do it," said Jacek. "Tyngsborough is a huge sports community. We have lots of athletes. One mother told me she's having all three of her kids tested because they're in sports." The PTO plans to make heart screenings an annual event.

Screenings cost $44.95 for children (1st grade+) and $69.95 for adults. Alternatively, these services can cost $500-$800 at outpatient facilities and health insurance will not cover this test unless a young person exhibits symptoms.

In addition to the electrocardiogram, each participant receives a family and personal heart health questionnaire, blood pressure reading and BMI calculation. The adult screening program also includes a cholesterol and glucose reading.

About HeartScreen America, Inc. HeartScreen America is a large population, direct-to-consumer heart screening company which offers comprehensive heart screening programs that can identify the risks associated with cardiac abnormalities and heart disease. HeartScreen America's affordable heart screening programs are a fraction of the cost for comparable services offered at outpatient facilities. HeartScreen America is screening hearts and saving lives. Additional information about HeartScreen America can be found at www.HeartScreenAmerica.com.

Contact Information:
Anna Vining
HeartScreen America
978-474-8008 x116
press@heartscreenamerica.com

Return to Press Room