February is American Heart Month, and with heart disease continuing to rank as the number one cause of death among Americans, adopting heart-healthy habits is smart.

As a physician, you know that heart disease and stroke pack a deadly punch, claiming numerous lives every year. The good news is that making lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in your patients' abilities to stave off heart disease and stroke while improving their overall health.

According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity plays an important role in maintaining good heart health ? as little as 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.

Adopting an active lifestyle with the Healthways SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program is a great way for AmeriHealth New Jersey Medicare Advantage HMO members to get moving in the fight against heart disease and stroke. These members have access to SilverSneakers at no additional cost, and the program offers them an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle direction, and social opportunities.

The benefits of SilverSneakers

SilverSneakers is currently offered at fitness and wellness centers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico ? nearly 10,000 participating locations nationwide.

Through the program, AmeriHealth New Jersey Medicare Advantage HMO members have endless opportunity to exercise heart-healthy habits while having fun and making friends. These members can get the physical activity they need to keep chronic conditions that contribute to heart disease ? hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity ? in check.

Many sites are equipped with treadmills, free weights, and other fitness equipment and also offer the signature SilverSneakers Fitness Program classes, designed specifically for older adults and taught by certified instructors.

As you encourage your AmeriHealth New Jersey Medicare Advantage HMO 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
• improves sleep

For more information, visit the SilverSneakers website or call 1-888-423-4632.

Note: SilverSneakers is offered to AmeriHealth 65^® NJ HMO members 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.

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.