Prioritizing Player Safety: The Critical Importance of Heart Screenings for FC Balboa Athletes

At FC Balboa, our commitment to our players extends far beyond the football pitch. While we strive to develop exceptional athletes and foster a lifelong love for the beautiful game, nothing is more important than the health and safety of every child who wears our crest. That's why we want to bring a vital topic to the forefront: the importance of heart screenings for young athletes.

The statistics are sobering: sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is tragically the leading cause of death among student athletes. This isn't just a national issue; it's a concern for every youth sports organization and every family with an active child.

Why Screenings Matter: What the Experts SayMajor medical organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology are in strong agreement: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are a reasonable and often recommended inclusion in sports physicals. These non-invasive tests can help identify underlying heart conditions that might otherwise go undetected until it's too late.

You can learn more about the recommendations directly from the American Heart Association here: Screening Young Athletes for Heart Disease

Experts suggest that these crucial screenings should ideally begin for athletes around age 12. This proactive approach allows for early detection and, if necessary, proper management of any potential cardiac issues, enabling athletes to safely continue their participation in sports.

Our Call to Action for FC Balboa Families.  We urge all FC Balboa families to take this information seriously and consider proactive heart screenings for your young athletes. It's a simple step that can provide invaluable peace of mind and, most importantly, protect the health of our children.

Don't wait! Take advantage of free screening opportunities in our community.

A fantastic resource providing free ECG screenings is available soon:

Get a FREE ECG at an upcoming event on October 5th! Visit epsavealife.org/get-screened to find out more details and secure a screening appointment.

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