Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital co-sponsors Young Hearts for Life screenings in February

DOWNERS GROVE - Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital will co-sponsor free cardiac screenings through the Young Hearts for Life program on Feb. 18 and 19 at Downers Grove North and South high schools.

All students whose parents/guardians authorize the test will receive a free electrocardiogram (EKG). The non-invasive test generates information about heart rate and rhythm and can uncover life-threatening conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The screenings will take place on Feb. 18 at Downers Grove North High School, 4436 Main Street, and on Feb. 19 at Downers Grove South High School, 1436 Norfolk St., Downers Grove.

Young Hearts for Life is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Joseph Marek, an Advocate Medical Group cardiologist at Good Samaritan Hospital. The organization has provided free cardiac screenings to more than 150,000 students since its inception in 2006.

"On average 3,000 to 4,000 young adults across the United States die each year from hidden heart defects. A simple screening can help prevent these types of tragedies," said Marek.

Young Hearts for Life depends on trained adult volunteers to assist with the screening events. Volunteers do not need to have a medical background to participate. Anyone interested in volunteering can attend one of two training sessions that will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Downers Grove North High School.

Other co-sponsors of the free cardiac screening events include the Ken Holland Foundation, Tim Nickos Foundation and District 99 Education Foundation.

For more information, visit www.YH4L.org.