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 David
Walliams launches Heart Screening Partnership with Philips and Cardiac
Risk in the Young
London, June 2007. Heart disease is not just a problem
associated with old age; it kills up to 8 young people every week in the
UK. By providing easy access to heart screening and professional
support, it can significantly help to reduce the number of avoidable
deaths.
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Philips and
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY)
have committed to raise heart awareness through the launch of
The Heart Screening Awareness Partnership, designed to help
families understand the simple steps involved.
David Walliams, comedian, TV personality and CRY Patron will be
supporting the launch of the partnership by appearing in a short
film designed to show young people that the screening process is
not a scary one. |
Watch the film of David
Walliams being screened |
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Walliams says, “The screening process is so easy, it tickles a
little, and it’s a bit funny seeing inside your heart. But the
doctors are very good at what they are doing, so you should not
be scared.” He continues, “The tragedy is that the deaths
of so many young people from cardiac problems are preventable.
The support we have from Philips will help us raise awareness
and get more young people into the screening centres.” |
CRY was
founded in May 1995 to raise awareness of
Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS).
As well as
campaigning and lobbying, CRY also provide a subsidised cardiac
screening programme for young people (35 and under), and provide
counselling support to bereaved families and individuals who may be
diagnosed.
 “Screening
needs to be extended to many more young people,” says Professor Greg
Whyte, CRY Chairman and former Chairman of the British Olympic
Associations Athletes’ Commission.
“Everyone is
potentially at risk and the only accurate means of diagnosis is through
an ECG test.”
The sooner a patient is diagnosed; the quicker support can be offered to
help manage any situation. Philips and CRY are working together to help
more families. Philips are donating advanced medical equipment that will
enable CRY to gain greater research results with their screenings whilst
reaching more young people than ever before.
The most
simple and effective way to diagnose most cardiac abnormalities is
having ECG (electrocardiogram) and ECHO (Echocardiogram) tests. Philips
supplies some of the world's most advanced cutting edge hospital
technology, by providing doctors with smart solutions to complex
problems.
“We are honored to be supporting such an amazing charity. With our
breakthrough imaging technology, we are committed to helping supply
screening support for the doctors and specialists working with the young
people and their families in the CRY program. We are proud of the human
benefit that the Philips technology can bring, that is the real showcase
of simplicity.”
John Atwill, Managing Director, Philips Medical Systems
-ENDS-
Simplicity is at the heart of the
Philips experience, to explore how Simplicity can fit into your life
visit
www.philips.com/simplicity
For more information contact MS&L PR,
London
Kate Harris
Kate.harris@mslpr.co.uk
0207 878 3134
Rana Rahman
Rana.rahman@mslpr.co.uk
0207 878 3156
Peter Tomlinson
Peter.tomlinson@mslpr.co.uk
0207 878 3173
About CRY
CRY was set up in 1995 to raise public awareness of and provide
information on SADS in people aged 35 and under. Crucially, it offers
subsidised ECG testing to young people and is currently campaigning to
introduce routine screening for teenagers in secondary schools, to
eliminate such causes of sudden death.
CRY offers
regular heart screenings in Harrow at the CRY Centre for Sports
Cardiology and at clinics in Northern Ireland and Colchester. They also
have a mobile unit that visits sports clubs, schools and local
communities, and there are other supporting clinics nationwide.
Appointments can be booked via the website (call
01737 363 222 or visit
www.c-r-y.org.uk/ecg.htm).
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a
global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering
products, services and solutions through the brand promise of sense and
simplicity. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs
approximately 121,700 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide.
With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2006, the company is a market leader in
medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy
efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well
as consumer electronics.
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