MIAA To Conduct Workshop On Sudden Cardiac Arrest In Adolescents

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 12 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) will focus its next wellness workshop on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how to reduce its risk among young athletes and adolescents. The keynote speaker will be Jonathan Drezner, MD, a noted sports medicine physician and researcher, who will outline a plan for reducing SCA's risk to these youth, aged six to 18.

It is estimated that SCA claims the lives of over 425 youngsters each month in the United States, but most often the first sign of a problem is sudden and unexpected death. Dr. Drezner will address the need for preventive planning, the limitations of traditional heart screening practices and the potential value of electrocardiogram (ECG) screening. He will also describe ways for school athletic departments to prepare an emergency action plan and checklist for dealing with SCA. Dr. Drezner serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for HeartScreen America, an Andover, MA based heart screening company using ECG technology. The MIAA and HeartScreen America are collaborating on a public education program, alerting athletic directors, coaches, parents and young adults to the risks of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Dr. Drezner is an Associate Professor and resident faculty member within the University of Washington's Department of Family Medicine and Associate Director of the Hall Health Sports Medicine Fellowship. He also serves as team physician for the University of Washington's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. His research focuses on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the athletic setting, emergency preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest, and secondary prevention of SCA in young athletes. He was co-chair and lead author of an Inter-Association Task Force, sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, which developed recommendations for Emergency Preparedness and Management of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High School and College Athletic Programs.

Michaela Gagne, Miss Massachusetts 2006, will also address the workshop being held for middle and high school athletic directors and coaches. Ms. Gagne is a heart health advocate and MIAA certified coach, and will recount her experience as a three-season high school athlete who was diagnosed with a potentially life threatening heart condition.

The MIAA workshop is scheduled for this Friday, December 14th at its headquarters on 33 Forge Parkway in Franklin, MA. Registration and additional information can be obtained at http://www.miaa.net. In addition to the speakers, attendees will witness demonstrations of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and HeartScreen America's electrocardiogram-based heart screening.

HeartScreen America is endorsed by the MIAA and the Massachusetts State Athletic Directors Association. The company partners with school, sports and business organizations to bring optional, accessible, affordable heart screenings to schools and their communities.

About Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) is a private, non-profit association organized by its member schools to regulate, coordinate and promote athletic programs for high school students. Its mission is to enrich the educational experience of student athletes by providing leadership and support for the conduct of interscholastic athletics.

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association

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.

HeartScreen America, Inc..