Hoopn' For Hearts 4 on 4 Basketball Tournament Seeks Players, Officials
Hoopn' for Hearts, in coordination with the American Heart Association and the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, will hold a 4 on 4 basketball tournament Aug. 8-10 at Simon Recreation Center. The free event is to promote the early detection of hypertension.
Hoopn' for Hearts aims to promote the early detection, and subsequent control of hypertension, through sports. The event seeks participants, aged 40 and older, for the tournament. All participants will be screened for hypertension before play begins.
Prior to this tournament, Hoopn' for Hearts operated a weekly basketball league. The path to controlling high blood pressure came through participation in the American Heart Association and YMCA’s Evidence Based Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program (BPSM).
League players agreed to be screened prior to play. A prior diagnosis coupled with a current hypertensive measurement activated a four-month arrangement of home self-monitoring, using proper measuring techniques, individualized support and nutrition education. An enrollee in BPSM would be assigned a YMCA Healthy Heart trained Ambassador.
The initiative has resulted in positive results for participants, including a reduction in blood pressure, better blood pressure management, increased awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure, and enhanced knowledge to develop healthier eating habits.
SLU School of Medicine volunteers will administer blood pressure tests prior to game play.
The event also seeks those interested in officiating games.
Event Details
- When: Friday, Aug. 8 - Sunday, Aug. 10
- Where: SLU's Simon Recreation Center, 3639 Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108.
- Cost: Free to play and free to watch