A couple of years ago, I had a heart-related scare when I was running Broad Street, a local 10-mile race here in Philadelphia. You can read more about it here, but the short version was this: I had chest pain starting around mile 7 that continued until the end and was still feeling off for days after the race. My doc discovered I have a heart arrhythmia, something common to many people but something everyone who has one should at least be aware of. To this day, it definitely acts up in times when I am pushing myself, working out hard and have an electrical imbalance.
Arrhythmias are hereditary, which definitely make it worth checking both of my children, which we have not yet done. Most pediatric offices do not do routine screenings on children but did you know that sudden cardiac arrest is the #1 killer of student athletes?
Ask your local doctor about having your child screened. It’s an easy test and seems like a no brainer. And if you are local to Philly, join me this Saturday, November 3rd! I will be at Hatboro-Horsham with both of my boys, having them screened thanks to Simons Heart, a local organization dedicated to raising awarenessabout conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest in young kids.
The screening is free for children ages 12-19. I will be there from 9-11 am! And if this date doesn’t work for you and you are in the Philly area, be sure to visit ProtectPhillyHearts.com to see where there may be another free screening near you.
To read more about my story and Simon’s Heart, you can check out this feature in Philadelphia Magazine too.
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