4 | CFHN centralfloridahealthnews.com PUBLISHER Nelson Kirkland MANAGING EDITOR Jessica McDonald DIGITAL DIRECTOR Tyler DiGiovine CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erika Aldrich, Dr. Alison Young-Tan, Jennifer Goodson, LMHC, Ryan Milejczak, Julie Gmitter, Shaylynn Marks CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Ritu Aparajita, MD, William Corkins, O.D. CONTRIBUTING ARTIST Dawn Lewandowski DELIVERY DLS Distribution Published by Central Florida Media Group in cooperation with the Polk County Medical Association Copyright © 2026 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Central Florida Health News is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permis- sion is prohibited. Central Florida Health News makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. In the event of an error found herein however, neither the publishers or advertisers will be held responsible, nor do the publishers accept any liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials. Furthermore, the opinions and claims expressed in advertisements and promotional materials do not necessarily reflect those of the Polk County Medical Association or Central Florida Media Group and do not imply an endorsement. 56 Fourth Street Northwest, Suite 100 Winter Haven, Florida PHONE 863.248.7537 PUBLISHER’S NOTE www.CentralFloridaHealthNews.com PUBLISHER’S NOTE Extra Protection for Student Athletes NELSON KIRKLAND, PUBLISHER [email protected] READ THE DIGITAL EDITION! Want to access this edition on the go? Check out our newly updated digital flipbook at http://centralfloridahealthnews. com/magazines or scan the QR code at left. A s the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close and students shift their focus from assignments to summer vacation, families are already preparing for changes ahead next school year. A new Florida law aimed at preventing sudden cardiac arrests is calling for an extra layer of protection for young athletes. The “Second Chance Act” will require high school athletes to get an electrocardiogram, or ECG, in addition to their annual physical before participating in interscholastic athletics for the first time. Florida is the first state in the nation to implement the precautionary measure. The requirement, which goes into effect July 1 for the 2026-2027 school year, applies only to a student’s initial eligibility for interscholastic athletics, meaning repeat ECG screenings will not be required each year. The law stipulates that students who received an ECG that shows abnormal results must obtain clearance from a physician before they can participate in school sports. According to the National Institutes of Health, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among young athletes. The organization notes that potentially fatal cardiac events occur most often during exercise, regardless of the underlying condition, with nearly 75 percent of cases occurring in basketball, football, and soccer players. Health officials say the ECGs can detect and diagnose underlying cardiac issues early, including congenital defects, cardiomyopathies, heart disease, and enlarged hearts. To help families prepare for the new requirement, many healthcare facilities across Central Florida are hosting free physical and heart screening events for students in the coming months. To find a screening event near you, visit https://www.whoweplayfor. org/heart-screening-registration. HN John Scheck - The Scheck, Lewis, McKown Group Managing Director – Wealth Management Branch Manager 250 NW 3rd Street, Suite 100 Winter Haven, FL 33881 863-401-9449 [email protected] advisor.morganstanley.com/the-scheck-lewis-mckown-group 1278830 © 2022 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 3938502 01/22
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