As your patients get older, it becomes more important than ever for them to take steps to improve their health and well-being. One of the first ways you can improve your patients; health is by suggesting that they increase their physical activity. Many older adults start a workout routine when following their health care provider?s advice. In fact, 45 percent of AmeriHealth New Jersey members surveyed in 2012 indicated that their health care provider had recommended they use their SilverSneakers benefit. Regular participation can help your patients increase strength, improve balance, and prevent and manage chronic conditions, including depression, diabetes, and heart disease. As an AmeriHealth member, your Medicare-eligible patients have access to the Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program at no additional cost. SilverSneakers includes a basic fitness membership to more than 11,000 locations nationwide. It also includes a variety of fitness classes, including SilverSneakers Yoga and SilverSneakers Splash, a low-impact pool workout. Well-being tip: It's easier for your patients to become physically active when they find a class or activity they enjoy. By encouraging your patients to become active in exercise programs such as SilverSneakers, you can help them to continue to live healthy, independent lives. Medicare Advantage HMO members can enroll today by visiting www.silversneakers.com or by calling 1-888-423-4632 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Note: SilverSneakers is offered to AmeriHealth 65^® NJ HMO and AmeriHealth 65^® Preferred HMO at no cost. To enroll in the program, members can simply bring their health plan ID card to any participating SilverSneakers location. For a complete list of locations, members can visit the SilverSneakers website or call 1-888-423-4632.

¹ www.cdc.gov/primarycare/materials/medication/docs/medication-adhe rence-01ccd.pdf. Accessed July 2, 2013.

SilverSneakers^® is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc.