Vipers Pro Basketball partner with Max Schewitz Foundation for Cardiac Screenings

Vipers Pro Basketball partner with Max Schewitz Foundation for Cardiac Screening for Pro Players.

Vipers Pro Basketball

Vipers Pro Basketball and the Max Schewitz Foundation on Tuesday, November 27th, 2018, unveiled a partnership to screen Vipers Pro athletes for a head start to health before the season. The screenings included EKG and ECO-cardiograms to scan for irregularities of the heart. EKG testing helps identify heart conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM and Long QT Syndrome, which affects young athletes. A single EKG can’t catch everyone at risk, but it can catch many. Better yet, every heart condition has a treatment plan to avoid sudden cardiac death. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to allow the cardiologist to look at the function of the heart. The echo is used to detect some conditions that might not show on the EKG, to clarify findings on the EKG, and to rule out or confirm the presence of cardiac conditions reported on the cardiac history.

The two organizations will use the foundations Cardio Machines – which includes data related to cardiovascular health from 10 adhesive pads (electrodes) placed on the arms, legs, and chest. A wire is then attached to each electrode that is connected to a computer which records a reading of your heart rate and electrical activity.

"This allows us to bring data from all different sources together, which makes it easier for scientists to get access to the data," said Jennifer Hall, chief of the heart association's Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine.

So far, the foundation has facilitated screens for many high schools and noted Carthage College (athletes only), College of Lake County, Lake Forest College (athletes only), Back-to-School Fair sponsored by the Chicago Bears Football Club in Bourbonnais, Screens for Teen Football Athletes, Halas Hall, and Bulls/Sox Academy.

With this new partnership, the Vipers organization hopes to accelerate the importance of Cardiac health in African American males and athletes.

"It's through this type of screening that we ensure that our players are healthy and give us the opportunity to potentially catch cardiovascular issues before they arise and minimize the risk of any heart disorders by being treated early; our number one goal is to have healthy players and get them to the next level," RJ White said.

About Max Schewitz Foundation:

Max Harry Schewitz, age 20, of Lake Bluff died suddenly September 29, 2005 from an apparent heart irregularity, having shown no prior signs of heart disorder.

Max was one of those truly lucky individuals who found and followed his passion and philosophy early in his life. His passion, a love of reptiles and nature, led him to the Wildlife Discovery Center at an early age, initially as a student and subsequently as a teacher and employee. He had a gift for connecting with animals and the outdoors that couldn't be taught or learned, and he especially loved misunderstood animals, such as reptiles. Later, he set up his own business, Max and the Wild Things, and devoted his life to conservation, education, and appreciation of nature. His passion and sense of adventure influenced his family's and friend's vacations, pulling everyone to far away lands in pursuit of the world's most fascinating creatures. He managed to travel to 5 of the world's 7 continents in his too-short life.

His philosophy, to live each day to its fullest, was apparent to all he came in contact with regardless of age. This energy and focus enabled him to be a leader and role model in other areas of life. His zest captivated so many people, from the kids he taught, to his teachers, to his colleagues, and his friends and family.

Max will be remembered by many for his sense of humor, sparing no one or any institution with his numerous pranks, practical jokes, and wild adventures. He mirrored the fun, wonder, and excitement of children and sidestepped rules he found illogical, preferring to see beyond those rules to the core values of humanity and fun, which guided his every action. He exuded passion and a contagious enthusiasm.

He loved life, he loved his family, he loved his friends, and loved the many children he taught about the natural world. He would be very proud that his work was carried on after his death.