Last Fall, the American Heart Association announced a new local initiative called “Men of Heart”, aimed at raising awareness surrounding men’s heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer in America with more than 2,500 heart attacks and 2,100 strokes occurring each day.

Mike Brey, head coach of the men’s basketball team at the University of Notre Dame, will lead this new initiative through a series of “Men of Heart” events.  This month, Coach Brey will host “Tip-Off for Heart”.  The event will be held at the Joyce Center on the Notre Dame campus, Wednesday, April 24 from 2-8 p.m.

“I am thrilled to be partnering with the American Heart Association on this new event, Tip-Off for Heart,” says Coach Brey.  “Our coaches and support staff are looking forward to working with the participants on ways to stay active and make healthy choices.  We’ll run you through the stretches and drills our players work on, we’ll have a nutritionist and a doctor on hand to give you helpful information, and we’ll talk Notre Dame Basketball.”

Participants will receive a hands-on experience while learning about nutrition, heart risk factors, tips on getting active and the game of basketball. The event will conclude with dinner in Club Naimoli with Coach Brey, where he will lead a film breakdown session with the group and discuss his support of the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.

“It is an honor to partner with Coach Brey and the American Heart Association. I believe this event will emphasize the importance of heart health and increase awareness among the men in our community,” says Jeff Guy, Chair of “Men of Heart” and General Manager of ABC 57.

“Men of Heart” is comprised of men who want to prevent fathers, brothers, sons and friends from ever having to experience heart disease. By participating in educational programs throughout the community and helping to raise funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research, “Men of Heart” will work to accomplish this goal.

The event is open to men only, 21 years and older; and the cost is $145 per person. Participants should bring athletic wear including sneakers and be ready to get active on the basketball court.  To reserve your spot, please contact the American Heart Association at (574) 274-1783 or visit www.ABC57.com and click on the “Tip-Off for Heart” icon.  This event is sponsored in part by Bayer HealthCare, ABC 57 News, WSBT 96.1 FM, Martin’s Super Markets, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and adidas.