As a woman-owned business — and as a firm that has represented a number of health care clients over the years, including St. David’s HealthCare — Elizabeth Christian Public Relations (ECPR) proudly supports the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Go Red for Women initiative. In fact, to celebrate the kick off of American Heart Month, ECPR helped to promote the AHA’s survivor gallery during a press conference at the Texas State Capitol earlier this month. (St. David’s HealthCare is a sponsor).
As the mother of a child who was born with a congenital heart defect, one of the most important things I do each year is promote a valuable community service offered by Heart Hospital of Austin, and ECPR client. The hospital offers free heart screenings for student athletes, ages 14 through 18. The screening includes a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) and a limited two-dimensional echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart, to detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
You may remember this is the condition that claimed the life of Austin teen, Ben Breedlove:
HCM, the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, is a serious genetic heart condition in which the heart muscle thickens. It affects one in 500 student athletes every year, often without any warning or symptoms. While it is relatively easy to detect, it can be fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated.
If you have a teenager, and if you have time on Saturday — or even if you don’t have time— bring your teen in for a screening. Regardless of the findings, you’ll be glad you did. The screening is simple, and it could have a significant impact on the life of your teen. (Be sure to make an appointment first by calling 512.478.3627, though.)
I hope to see you there!
-Erin Ochoa
Director, Elizabeth Christian Public Relations
