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An organization formed to provide early detection of heart problems is criss-crossing the nation to offer free heart screenings.
Coming up for the Athletes for Life (AFL) Foundation: a mid-September stop at the Five Seasons Sports Club, 1300 Techny Road in Northbrook.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20, the AFL Foundation’s mobile Cardiac Screening Facility will be providing the service.
All of the testing occurs inside the AFL’s brightly colored 48-foot trailer and is open to both club members as well as the general public. Before arriving in Northbrook, the AFL will be at the Five Seasons site in Burr Ridge, on Tuesday, Sept. 16 and Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The Five Seasons destinations are appropriate, when you consider that Marlene Karman, executive director of the AFL Foundation’s Midwest division, is a charter member of Five Seasons in Burr Ridge and works part-time in its spa.
For about 25 years, Karman owned a holistic, integrative health spa, Naturally Beneficial Wellness & Beauty Day Spa in Downers Grove.
“Preventative health has always been so important to me,” said Karman, “and that’s what Athletes for Life is all about. The group’s mission of saving lives—one heart at a time—has become my passion.”
Athletes for Life cofounder Willie Gault, a former Chicago Bears wide receiver and world-class sprinter, shared his vision recently with Karman and her husband, Art, during a two-day visit at their Lemont home.
During his stay, the Karmans held a screening in their driveway. What was to have been a simple demonstration with a few friends became a significant outreach: 75 people were tested, with two requiring immediate follow-up care.
Athletes for Life also made screenings available recently for 300 teenaged football players in Barrington.
Gault will make an appearance during the event in Burr Ridge, said Karman. After the two Five Seasons stops, the organization hopes to find at least a few other sites in the area, possibly in the inner-city portion of Chicago, she added.
“We would love to offer this to people who would never dream of having this kind of testing done because they simply couldn’t afford it,” said Karman. “This is an opportunity to really help people be the best they can be and help families not lose loved ones, whether it’s dad or mom or a son playing on the football field.”
In addition to Gault, numerous prominent sports figures have lent their support to AFL’s vision. They include other former Bears, such as Jim McMahon, Richard Dent, Dennis McKinnon and Gale Sayers, as well as NBA Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley.
The not-for-profit organization’s goal is to expand from its current single trailer to 50 or more mobile units. Much of its growth hinges on corporate sponsorships and medical volunteers.
Licensed nurses perform the tests, which take about 25 minutes. Some of that time is on a treadmill, so organizers recommend exercise shoes and attire. Individuals 14 years of age or older are eligible to take the test; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
The tests use revolutionary technology designed by a NASA scientist, with results reviewed and reports prepared by a cardiologist, not averaged by a computer.
Maximum accuracy is attained when individuals consume no large meals, or have excessive consumption of caffeine, sodium, chocolate or alcohol for 24 hours prior to testing.
"We're thrilled to partner with Athletes for Life to help detect cardiovascular disease," said Lina Lubbat, Five Seasons Northrbrook's Chief Club Officer. "We are grateful to have the opportunity to play a role in providing proactive evaluations of our members, and members of the general public, alike."
To make a reservation, which is required and limited, please call at the Northbrook Five Seasons at 847-897-5031. In Burr Ridge, the Five Seasons general number is 630-570-5200.
Appointments will be assigned on a walk-in basis the day of testing. For more information about the AFL Foundation, visit http://www.athletesforlife.com.
