Second Annual Free Echocardiogram Screening – March 20, 2010
37 Long Beach Middle School student athletes received a free echocardiogram at Long Beach Middle School on Saturday, March 20, 2010. The program was voluntary and is sponsored by Susan Helsinger, Founder and President of the Jason F. Gruen Research Foundation. Schneider Children’s Hospital, under the direction of Dr. Fred Bierman, Chairman of Pediatric Cardiology, conducted the screenings with his hospital technicians and portable echocardiogram monitors. The entire event was coordinated by local Long Beach Realtors Neil Sterrer and Joe Sinnona (LIBOR Directors), as part of the national “WE’RE MORE THAN REALTORS” awareness program. 3 screenings needed more follow-up!
Below is the Save the Date flyer from the event
Also attached are paraphrased excerpts from the draft letter sent to all participants explaining the program:
“The Schneider Children’s Hospital of the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health Care System and the Long Beach School District once again offered a voluntary screening heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) on Saturday, March 20, 2010 for students wishing to participate in district sports programs. The ultrasound exam evaluated the size and function of the left pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) and the size of the main artery of the body (aorta) as well as the function of its valve (aortic valve) to identify abnormalities that may not be apparent on customary pre-participation physical examinations. Abnormal left ventricular size (cardiomyopathy), abnormal aorta size or function may result in abnormalities of heart function when an individual with such an abnormality particpates in organized, competitive sports.”
“The results of the screening heart ultrasound study will be forwarded approximately 6 weeks after the examination. This study is not intended to replace a sports physical if required by the school district nor is the screening heart ultrasound intended to replace the child’s evaluation by a heart specialist that is recommended by the child’s health care provider.”
Pictured above left to right are Neil Sterrer, Dr. Fred Bierman, Elizabeth Leibowitz (West School Nurse), Nassau legislator Denise Ford, Mary Beth Thurston (Middle School Nurse), Arnie Epstein (District Director of Athletics & Health), Lori Field (Lido School Nurse), Barbara Young (District Head Nurse & Ass’t. Dir. Of Health), Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg & his wife Ellen, and Joe Sinnona.
Not pictured, but in attendance was Pat Gallagher (School Board Trustee), Mary Tatem (District Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Tricia Chirco (LIBOR Public Relations Director), Rosemary Leonetti (Syntax Communications) & Arthur Findley (photographer).
Additional photos are displayed below from the event.
A special thanks goes out to Susan Helsinger, Dr. Fred Bierman & his technicians, Arnie Epstein, Barbara Young & her nursing staff, Dr. Robert Greenberg and the entire School Board for their dedication and support of this program.
