Fremd offering students free cardiac screenings

Fremd High School in Palatine is offering free screenings for students on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, to check for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is a genetic heart condition that causes an excessive thickening of the heart and is the leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people.

The organization Young Hearts for Life will be conducting the test using an electrocardiogram (ECG). The screens will take place during school and are only for students whose parents authorize them to be tested. The screening is recommended every two years.

To learn more about FHS' free cardiac screens, visit fhs.d211.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Young-Hearts-for-Life.pdf or contact the school at (847) 755-2600.

The 8th Annual Hoofin' for Hardy 5K run and 2-mile walk will take place at 9 a.m. Sunday, at Birchwood Park & Recreation Center, 435 W. Illinois Ave., in Palatine. It's hosted by the Joshua Jared Hardy Chrities, and has created an opportunity for free cardiac screenings at Fremd, Conant, and Palatine high schools. Hoofin' 4 Hardy was founded in 2009 after the death of a dedicated runner and Fremd High School graduate, Jared Hardy.