The EKG [electrocardiogram] program tested students for their heart health in the Tonneli Gym. Students paid $15 dollars in order to have the test taken.

“It can be a life or a death difference if a student gets an EKG [electrocardiogram]. There is a very small risk that a young adult will have a life threatening cardiac condition.You should know about it because if left untreated, there can be dire consequences,” said Mary Beth Schewitz, executive producer of the program.

Schewitz recommends getting an EKG every two years from the ages 14 to 28. The procedures for boys and girls of that age are different.

“They both have the same tests, but girls are never asked to physically remove the shirt, unlike the boys where their shirts are removed and the electrodes are put on while they are waiting in line,” Schewitz said.    

An EKG measures the electrical activity of the heart, using sound waves, and it can detect some heart abnormalities leading to sudden cardiac death, according to www.events.org.

10 electrodes are placed on the body, and they are connected to the EKG machine, the data is entered for the specific student.

It is important to know if your heart is healthy and the is worth the practically  price, Schewitz said.

“We recently changed from a free program to a practically free program,” Shewitz said. “This is our first year as a ‘practically’ free program; the cost only being $15 per student.”

Previously, Schewitz would fundraise to cover the entire cost of the screening, but this year parents paid part of the cost because, Schewitz said they did not have time to commit to the necessary fundraising.
The EKG program is available for students at LZ once every two years.