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