In celebration of Heart Month, Onvida Health is excited to announce the return of its Teen Heart Screening Event on February 22 at Kofa High School, in partnership with the Yuma Union High School District. At the event Onvida Health will offer preventative screenings that have helped identify life-threatening heart conditions in many young residents in our community. For Heather Chavez, a registered nurse at Onvida Health, the Teen Heart Screening Event did more than screen her son’s heart health – it changed her family’s future forever.
In 2016, Heather’s then 14-year-old son, Luke, a dedicated multi-sport athlete, attended the Teen Heart Screening Event at a local high school. The program, designed to provide students with critical cardiac screenings such as blood pressure checks, EKGs and echocardiograms (when needed), uncovered something unexpected. Luke had Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a rare heart condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
“Even as a registered nurse who cares for patients every day, there were no signs or symptoms that could have indicated my own son had a heart condition and it would have gone unnoticed without the screening event,” said Heather Chavez. “The Teen Heart Screening Event gave us the awareness to catch something that could have had devastating consequences. Onvida Health’s cardiology team gave us the knowledge and tools to manage his heart health, and their diligence has prevented any and all adverse cardiac events from occurring for my son. I’m forever grateful to their team for catching this.”
The quick action by the program’s team, led by cardiologist and Cardiovascular Medical Director, Dr. Evren Kaynak, made sure that Luke received immediate follow-up care. The diagnosis allowed his family to implement lifestyle changes, avoid certain triggers, and prepare for emergencies, all of which helped Luke continue playing the sports he loved with protections in place.
“Programs like the Teen Heart Screening Event embody the essence of what we strive for – to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Kaynak. “Detecting heart conditions early makes a profound difference, and Luke’s story is a testament to the power of preventive care.”
Since launching, Onvida Health’s Teen Heart Screening Event has provided invaluable heart screenings across the Yuma region, to many patients who would not otherwise have access to such care. While paused during the pandemic, the program is set to return this year, further reinforcing Onvida Health’s dedication to building a healthier tomorrow.
As heart month serves as a reminder of the importance of cardiovascular health, Onvida Health is proud to share stories like Luke’s to inspire awareness and prevention. Special thanks to the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation for their partnership and guidance in making these life-saving screenings possible.
For more information on Onvida Health’s cardiology team, please visit www.onvidahealth.org/event/teen-heart-screenings/.
