Study funded by Rock For The Heart
In a recent study funded by Rock For The Heart at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, 134 children and young adults with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome were evaluated by both noninvasive (EKG, 24-hour EKG, exercise stress testing) and invasive testing (electrophysiology study in the heart catheterization laboratory) and the results of these tests were compared. Twenty-six patients were felt to be at low risk of having life-threatening arrhythmias, although one of these patients (4%) was subsequently found to be at higher risk when evaluated in the heart catheterization laboratory.
The project concluded that noninvasive testing does not absolutely correlate with invasive testing but is a reasonably sensitive method to risk stratify Wolff-Parkinson-White patients. They suggested that stronger consideration be given toward invasive testing in WPW patients who wish to participate in competitive sports, as this population may have a higher risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
2011 Golf Outing
I am pleased to announce that we have booked the 2011 Golf Outing @ The Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort & Spa in Blairsville, PA. The date of the outing is Friday, June 10th, 2011.
We will be using both golf courses (total of 36 holes). Each group will play an 18 hole scramble. There will be a limited number of rooms available at the resort for Thursday & Friday evening. When we get confirmation of how many and the price, we will send you an update.
Our event has continued to grow! We raised over $40,000 this year. Our goal for 2011 is $50,000!
The research project is moving ahead @ Children’s Hospital. I will provide you with an update at the outing. As I mentioned at the last outing, we have plans to raise additional funds via the music industry. Some exciting things are going on and I will bring you up to date at the outing! We are transitioning the name of the non-profit over to: “Rock For The Heart, Inc”.
We will provide you with the “official” invitation and additional details in the next 30 days.
Snow Shoveling and Children
Most snow shoveling injuries occurred in adult men. However, more than 700 injuries occurred in children under 19. Children were nearly 15 times more likely than adults to be hurt because they were hit by a snow shovel. Most of these injuries were head injuries.
“Shoveling snow can be a great outdoor activity for kids; however, it is important for parents to teach children the correct way to shovel snow and remind them that shovels are not toys,” Smith, says in the news release. “Many of the snow shovel-related injuries to children are the result of horseplay or other inappropriate uses of snow shovels.”
