As we enter into fall, many of our student-athletes will begin their dream journey, as colleges start to recruit them for their sports programs. I remember my Nick going through this process as a Senior in high school. How excited we were for the opportunity for him to play at the next level and receive a college education on a sports scholarship.

You will certainly have several questions for coaches and administrators to ensure the proper school fit for your child. As did I. But, had I known what I now know, there are some specific concerns around sudden cardiac arrest preparedness that I would have posed.

According to the NCAA, sudden cardiac death is the most common non-traumatic (not caused by accident or injury) cause of death among college athletes. An astonishing fact that I did not think to research when Nick was considering colleges. 

The ultimate dream for most of our kids is to compete professionally. But the NCAA also states fewer than 2 percent of NCAA student-athletes go on to be professional athletes.

Still, many student-athletes depend on athletic scholarships to get them into college, and on academics to prepare them for life after college.  I encourage you to support your children in pursuing their dreams in athletics. However, as the upcoming recruiting period approaches, I share with you a few concerns that are crucial to raising with potential schools.

IS YOUR CHILD'S COLLEGE PREPARED FOR SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST?

1. Research and become familiar with the doctors and trainers on staff. Ask to speak with the team physician about the preventative measures taken to prevent sudden cardiac death in their student-athletes. For example, ask if all coaches and trainers have a current CPR/AED certification.

2. Not all colleges mandate an EKG or an echocardiogram. Of those that do, many allow students to opt-out. Check that the schools your family is considering offer heart screening.

3. If your school of choice does not provide one, please get one done yourself. If this is not feasible, find organizations such as SafeBeat and Simon's Heart who routinely offer free heart screenings.

4. As you visit schools, check that an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available at all training, practice, and game-day facilities. Also, ask each school if they have a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan.

5. When we know better, we do better. Study the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, along with your child. Ensure they not only recognize the symptoms but also know to communicate any condition they may experience to the team staff immediately, and to you as well. Further, make sure your child knows - if there is any doubt, it's okay to sit out - and do not return to play until they are examined and cleared by a doctor. Let's protect our children!