Teachers and staff are constantly trying to keep students safe and healthy in the school environment. Which is why this year they will be offering free heart screenings to all students.

  The heart screening will be held in the mat room in the upstairs gym March 6th through March 10th. The screening will consist of a medical history questionnaire, a blood pressure test, an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram, which is just an ultrasound picture of the heart.

  Permission slips are being sent home with all PE and health students who want to take the test. A screening like this would normally have a $530 cost, but in this case its free. Its quick, painless and free so there’s nothing to lose.

  “Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the country. Free screening is a great service that Providence is giving us… this could help save lives.” Scott Lustig, PE teacher said.

  This test will help prevent students heart problems from impacting them in the future and will allow professionals to treat and diagnose them early. The screenings are held by Providence Health and if you are under 18 you are required to have a parent’s signature to take the test. The students who have done the test seem to be satisfied.

  “The screening was relatively short… it was fine.” Evan Olson, sophomore said.

  Most all students and teachers are in full support of this screening as it doesn’t do any harm. This is the first year that it is being provided at the high school and being offered for free. The main cause for the concern is the recent increase in heart problems in 12-18 year olds.

  For those who don’t see these heart screenings as necessary, consider the fact that of the 10,000 students screened, 5% of them have had heart problems. While the number is bound to be a little lower as larger groups are tested, it still raises some concern. It’s just safe to be sure that your heart is completely healthy.

  “There’s no harm in just going in and getting it done. There’s literally no negatives about it.” Ricky Castro, junior said.

  The most important part is that the screening is open to all students and is completely free. This is a step in the right direction, of preventing future complications with the heart in teenagers.