Second Graders Tour Genesis Heart Institute   (Posted 2/21/06)

The second graders at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Bettendorf may be the most heart-savvy 7-year-olds in the Quad Cities following a field trip to the Genesis Heart Institute on February 13.  

For the fourth straight year, Nicolas Shammas, M.D., of Cardiovascular Medicine, P.C. introduced the second graders to the importance of heart health and gave them a guided tour of the Genesis Heart Institute.  Students seen their own hearts beating during an echocardiogram; watched a stress test procedure; learned about the importance of a heart-healthy diet and not smoking; met with EMT's from Medic Emergency Medical Services; and seen the inside of an ambulance.  

"In cardiovascular medicine, we believe the best way to introduce kids to the importance of heart health is to get to them when they are little kids," Dr. Shammas said.