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
IBC Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO 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 Keystone 65 HMO and Personal Choice 65SM PPO 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.