Just One Example of How the United States Does NOT Care About Its People

So, the info has been on the Pulaski web page all summer but I just didn't think to look at it - in time. So, we've missed the $20-$25 sports physical screenings that include cardiomyopathy screenings. This is used to detect Sudden Cardiac Death in young people - you know, you hear about athletes dropping dead on the field???

Well, check out this article from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_Screening

It describes how this screening is done and why and then compares the use of this screening to other countries and the US. In summary:

Places like Italy require competitive athletes to undergo physiological testing prior to competing. This consists of a history, physical examination, urinalysis, resting and exercise ECG, and pulmonary functioning test conducted by a sports physician. Further screening of echocardiography is required if abnormalities are detected. Studies have shown an 89% decrease in sudden death due to cardiac abnormalities.

United States

To date, there is no national policy for the screening of CVD or sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Most state laws require competitive athletes to undergo a physician-mediated physical examination and history. ECG or echocardiograms are rarely used. A medical history and physical exam have shown to have little sensitivity or power to detect HCM or other risk conditions. The theory behind this lack of national standard is that screening is viewed as an aspiration to identify a rare cardiovascular disease with low incidence in a large population (approximately 2 in 1000 individuals).

First of all - think of your high school populations. Just about all high schools have 1000, if not double or triple that number, with the exception of many rural schools. Then, again in our situation - being rural - our high school has a high population because all the rural areas are coming together in one location. It's as if our government - and our doctors who aren't fighting for this to change - are expecting each high school to lose at least 2 kids every year. And, just because here in the US we can charge out the wazoo something that should be available to all young people. I said 'young people' folks.

So, I will be a nervous wreck as Tyler runs the Jerabek on the 13th - a 4 mile run up and down hills. This is partially my fault. I say partially because screening for anyone doing this kind of activity should be as detailed as in other countries. At any rate - is it appropriate for me to tell him he can't do any physical activites just because????? No. It isn't. So, I'm left 'taking a chance' with my son's life. It scares the piss out of me but I can't hold him back either.