FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANDOVER PTO OFFERING HEART SCREENING PROGRAM FROM APRIL 24-28 FOR RESIDENTS AGES 6+

Miss Massachusetts, Michaela Gagne To Appear – Suffers From Heart Condition

Andover, MA – 10 Apr 2007:  The Andover Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will sponsor a Healthy Heart Screening Program on April 24, 25, 26, and 28 at the West Middle School Cafeteria at 70 Shawsheen Road.

The screening sessions are open to the public and will be held from 4-8 P.M. on Tuesday April 24, Wednesday April 26, and Thursday April 26, as well as 9 A.M. – 1 P.M. on Saturday April 28.

Saturday’s screenings will be attended by the 2006 Miss Massachusetts, Michaela Gagne. When she was 17 years old, Gagne was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, a disorder of the heart's electrical rhythm. Long QT Syndrome is a heart irregularity that can be vulnerable to fainting, sudden cardiac arrest, or even death during vigorous exercise or intense physical activity. It is one of the “sudden death” causes that affect young athletes, and can be detected by an ECG, such as those used in the heart screenings being offered.

The PTO is partnering with Andover’s HeartScreen America, Inc. to offer preventive heart screenings for residents ages 6 and up. Registration is required by April 22 at www.HeartScreenAmerica.com or by calling 978-474-8008.

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.

PTO President Bill Pennington sees the program as an investment in the well-being of Andover youth, and helped bring the program to Andover after losing a very close friend who died shortly after running on a treadmill. “As a coach of that age group, one of my greatest fears is that it could happen to one of my players,” says Pennington. “I lost one of my best friends that way.”

The screening program, which includes an electrocardiogram, is open to all Andover residents. Screenings cost $44.95 for children (age 6+) and $64.95 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. Unfortunately, every year, apparently healthy children die suddenly, with no warning symptoms beforehand. “No one wants to ever have this happen,” says Pennington. “For less than $50 per child, you can screen your child, your child’s best friend, or a teammate.”

HeartScreen America’s Heart Screening Program provides an affordable and convenient opportunity for children and adults to receive an electrocardiogram (ECG). Each participant also 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. All ECGs are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist.

“HeartScreen America is pleased to partner with the Andover PTO in providing low-cost ECGs to people who otherwise might not have this opportunity to have their heart screened,” says Bert R. Vining, President and COO, HeartScreen America.

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.

Contacts:
Bill Pennington, Andover Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
978-475-5671
bbgmpw@comcast.net

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

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