Mundelein High School students will have an opportunity to be screened Wednesday, October 24 for early detection of possible heart problems. The testing is being made possible at the low cost of $15 by the Max Schewitz Foundation named after a 20-year-old Lake County resident who died without warning from a hidden heart condition.

The testing will include the EKG for all participants. Students selected by the cardiologist will also have additional testing that day at no cost. Testing is free for students who are registered with the school to receive free or reduced lunch. 

“This is a great opportunity for parents to have their children tested in a familiar setting and to be active in early detection of any possible problems,” said Kathryn Serby who has two freshman students at MHS.

According to the Foundation, high school is an ideal time for someone to have a baseline EKG since the greatest risk of sudden cardiac death is between ages 17 and 22. The EKG is a visual representation of the heart’s function. It is quick, painless and can detect many potentially life-threatening heart conditions.

All efforts are made to respect privacy and modesty. Testing takes place in individual booths, and boys and girls are tested separately. Cardiologist Brian Shortal, MD, will oversee all aspects of testing and interpretation. Results are confidential and are shared only with parents within three weeks of the testing.

Approximately 75 parent volunteers are needed to help with the testing and typically offer two 3.5 hour timeslots to volunteers. Parents may volunteer on the website when they register their child.

“We’re happy to partner with the Max Schewitz Foundation to offer this important testing for our students,” said MHS Principal Anthony Kroll. We encourage all our parents to take advantage of this opportunity to have the testing done on Oct. 24.”

To register a student and/or to volunteer, please visit the Foundation website.