February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and as a health care provider, you know heart disease and stroke pack a deadly punch, claiming numerous lives each year. The good news is that patients can improve their overall health by making lifestyle changes. According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity such as walking 30 minutes a day can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Medical experts recommend aerobic exercise for its ability to strengthen the heart and lungs and help the body use oxygen more efficiently.

The Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program can help your Medicare-eligible patients adopt an active lifestyle and is a great way to help them win in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.¹ More recent evidence links exercise with reduced incidence of dementia and depression.²

The SilverSneakers Fitness Program

SilverSneakers is included in your AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage HMO patients? benefits and provides them with an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle direction, and social opportunities. SilverSneakers is available at over 11,000 participating locations nationwide, giving members endless opportunities to exercise heart-healthy habits while having fun and making friends! Many sites are equipped with treadmills, free weights, and other fitness equipment and also offer the signature SilverSneakers Fitness Program classes, designed specifically for Medicare-eligible patients and taught by certified instructors.

As you encourage your Medicare-eligible patients to adopt heart-smart habits, share with them the benefits of regular physical activity:

• improves circulation and oxygen use;
• promotes healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels;
• increases energy and endurance;
• improves bone strength and balance;
• decreases stress and improves sleep.

For more information about SilverSneakers, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632.

Note: SilverSneakers is offered to AmeriHealth 65^® NJ HMO and AmeriHealth 65^® Preferred HMO members at no cost. To enroll in the program, members should bring their SilverSneakers ID card to a participating SilverSneakers location. Members can visit the SilverSneakers website or call 1-888-423-4632 for a complete list of locations.

References

¹www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/olderad.htm

²Larson EB, Wang L, Bowen JD, McCormick WC, Teri L, Crane P, Kukull W. Exercise is Associated with Reduced Risk for Incident Dementia among Persons 65 Years of Age and Older. Ann Intern Med, 2006; 144:73-81.

This is not a statement of benefits. Benefits may vary based on Federal requirements, Benefits Program (HMO, PPO, etc.), and/or employer groups. Providers should call Customer Service for the member's applicable benefits information. Members should be instructed to call the Customer Service telephone number listed on their ID card.

SilverSneakers is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc., an independent company.