Teens get tested
<p>Kevin DeLeonard, 15, of Post Falls, has an electrocardiogram performed by Greg Lang, a physician's assistant student at the University of Washington, on Saturday at Post Falls High. The Straight from the Heart Foundation, started by Post Falls resident Cyndie (Johnson) Lempesis, held a free youth heart screening.</p>
POST FALLS - Heart problems run in the family of Debbie Hernandez.
So the Post Falls mother jumped at the chance to have her son Kevin DeLeonard attend Saturday's free heart screening at Post Falls High sponsored by Straight from the Heart, the Jordan Johnson Foundation.
"I think it's awesome that they're doing this because (heart issues are) a real concern with young people," Hernandez said. "My dad died when he was 36."
Straight from the Heart was formed by Cyndie (Johnson) Lempesis, whose son Jordan, a Post Falls student, died of sudden cardiac arrest at 15 in 2006.
"Hopefully this will prevent another family from suffering like ours did," Lempesis said. "If there's anything we can do to give someone a heads up, let's go for it."
The screening drew 220 students and young adults ages 14 to 24. Ten were advised of abnormalities and to consult their family physician for followup.
"I was ecstatic with the turnout," Lempesis said. "My goal is to have it in the fall and spring of every year. I'm excited to get going."
She said she was hoping for about 100 with it being the first year, the fair going on and busy lives before the start of school.
DeLeonard said he's thankful for the screening because it gives he and other students some assurance if there's any lingering questions about their heart.
"I'm glad they're doing it because people who can't afford it can come here," he said.
In addition to making local families more aware of heart issues in young people and screening for concerns, results from the screening will be included in a University of Washington study on heart problems.
"We're part of a bigger picture," Lempesis said.
Lempesis said partnerships have been key in launching Straight from the Heart.
She's been collaborating with another mother's foundation called Nick of Time in the Seattle area, which helped administer the screening. The Panhandle Health Medical Reserve Corps was among the volunteers at the event.
Profiles of about 30 young people, including Jordan, were posted at the screening to raise awareness of how prevalent heart issues are.
Chances of finding some people with abnormalities are high with large groups.
A recent screening in Seattle had similar results with 14 people having concerns out of 250 screenings.
AED (automated external defibrillator) and CPR training was also provided at the Post Falls event.
"Hopefully this will help bystanders not be afraid to react when someone collapses," Lempesis said.