Heart disease kills approximately 600,000 Americans every year, making it
the leading cause of death in the United States. High cholesterol, high blood
pressure, and smoking are three key risk factors for heart disease, and 49
percent of Americans have at least one of those three risk factors.1
Those statistics make it highly likely that every doctor has older patients who
either have or are at risk for developing heart disease. Medication is
sometimes the necessary approach, but other medical conditions and lifestyle
choices that increase risk — obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, poor
diet, and excessive alcohol use — can be controlled by leading an active,
healthy lifestyle.
The facts are convincing, but getting older adults to adopt new habits often
takes a lot more than statistics and a recommendation. That?s why Healthways
SilverSneakers® Fitness program is offered at no additional cost
to Keystone 65 Select HMO, Keystone 65 Preferred HMO, Keystone 65 Focus Rx HMO,
and Personal Choice 65SM PPO members. SilverSneakers provides an
actionable program to help members develop health and fitness goals, as well as
a strong support system to help achieve them. With millions of members,
SilverSneakers is the nation?s leading fitness program exclusively for older
adults.
The SilverSneakers membership includes:
- fitness membership with access to more than 13,000 locations
nationwide;
- indoor and outdoor fitness classes designed specifically for older
adults;
- a members-only website and online community;
- a strong social network and support system.
Heart muscles get stronger and healthier with exercise, and the more
exercise, the lower the risk of heart disease.2 That means heart
disease isn?t inevitable — exercise can change the statistics. It?s time
to fight fire with fire. Encourage your Independence Medicare Advantage
patients to learn more about the program, find the closest SilverSneakers
location, or get their ID number by visiting Silver
Sneakers or calling 1-888-423-4632 (TTY: 711).
1www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
2www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004006.htm
SilverSneakers is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc.,
an independent company.