There is nothing scarier than the death of a teen athlete. Someone young and fit suddenly collapses and — POW! — reality hits home. Cardiac emergencies really can happen to anyone, at any time.

While we continue to advocate for schools to have AEDs and staff trained in CPR, it’s also important to get kids screened so they know if heart issues are something to watch out for.

That’s why I’m so glad to see my former employer — Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital — stepping up to the plate and holding a teen athlete cardiac screening.

Here are the details:

Saturday, July 18
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Memorial Coliseum, Georgia Pacific Room
Cost: Just $10, and fee assistance is available.

Screenings include a full cardiac health exam (blood pressure, height and weight); an electrocardiogram (EKG); and a detailed cardiac history.

You must make an appointment for the screening, so call 503-335-3500 to pre-register before July 10.

When I read stories like this, I can’t help but wonder if a life could have been saved with an early screening or an AED at the scene. Don’t miss this inexpensive way to check out your child’s cardiac health.