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 AmeriHealth 65^® NJ HMO and AmeriHealth 65 Preferred HMO 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 AmeriHealth 65 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.