HealthSaver News
Figure Skater Peggy Fleming Teams With HealthSaver: Healthy Lifestyle = Improved Aging
NORWALK, Conn.,
And how you live your life has more of an influence on how you age than genetics. Fortunately, it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
"You have the most control over how you age," said
The U.S. Department of Health counts physical activity as the most important thing you can do to ensure healthy aging. Regular checkups and tests can detect diseases early, when they are easier to treat.
"A proper diet is also essential to the prevention of diseases associated with the physical and mental functions affected by age," said
Here are a few steps to help you sustain your youth. Be Proactive — Reduce your risk of heart disease with a cholesterol screening every five years, starting at age 35 for men and 45 for women. — Starting at age 40, women should have a mammogram every one-to-two years to help fight breast cancer, the most common cancer among American women. — Diabetic adults are two to four times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without this disease, which a doctor can detect before symptoms occur. Stay Active — Make fitness a priority to lead a more independent lifestyle in your later years. Studies show that loss of function has more to do with lack of exercise than with age. — Muscles lose strength when not used, and joints tend to weaken with age. Aim for 30 minutes of daily exercise. Every little bit counts, from playing Hide-and-Go-Seek with your grandchildren to taking a stroll around the park. — Plant a garden, play golf or rally on the tennis court. An active lifestyle provides arthritis relief, sleep improvement and prevention of heart disease and cancer. Eat Well — Studies show that a healthy diet provides up to a 16 percent decrease in mortality from any cause. To ensure long-lasting healthy eating habits, start with gradual changes in your diet. — Healthier eating could reduce cancer deaths in the U.S. by as much as 35 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Health. To help reduce your risk of cancer, eat 2 1/2 cups of vegetables every day. — Eat two cups of fruit a day. One medium fruit is equal to half a cup. Lower blood pressure by eating such potassium-packed food as bananas, oranges and cantaloupe. — Studies show that those who eat plenty of grains reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes by 30 percent. Aim for six ounces of grains per day. Try one cup of cereal for breakfast, a sandwich with two pieces of bread for lunch, and 1 1/2 cups of pasta for dinner. — Most Americans consume only half of the fiber they need. To help reduce the risk of heart disease, eat such fiber-rich foods as black beans, citrus fruits and nuts. Take Care — Taking care of yourself emotionally also has its health benefits. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, having family and friends as a key part of your life can help you maintain cognitive function. Friendships also promote long life. — The American Medical Association says brain health is much like your muscles: Use it or lose it. Exercise your mind by reading a daily newspaper or writing a letter. — Try a new hobby or travel to new places. Researchers include a sense of meaning and purpose among the top factors in determining the pace of the aging process.
Stay fit with an activity you enjoy. Eat right. Get regular checkups. And surround yourself with people and things that make you happy. Such healthy habits may leave you feeling better than you ever have before.
HealthSaver, an emerging health care discount program, offers savings on prescriptions, vision care, complementary and alternative health care treatments, vitamins and supplements by mail and more than 1,500 fitness clubs nationwide, including select Bally Total Fitness, World Gym and Ladies Workout Express locations.
About HealthSaver
HealthSaver offers discounts of 20 percent on vision care, as well as discounts of 10 to 50 percent on prescriptions at participating pharmacies, 20 percent off complementary and alternative health care treatments and fitness club benefits. HealthSaver also offers discounts of 10 to 35 percent on dental care services at some 42,000 participating provider locations nationwide, including routine cleanings, X-rays, fillings, orthodontics, and even popular cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening. Members can also save from 5 to 50 percent off vitamins and supplements by mail. Discounts are based upon reasonable and customary costs or manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) and are only available from participating providers. HealthSaver is not an insurance product or service. More information about HealthSaver is available online at www.healthsaver.com or toll free by calling 1-800-7HEALTH (1-800-743-2584). HealthSaver is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.
About Affinion Group
Affinion Group, www.affiniongroup.com, is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 5,200 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation which administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Peggy Fleming http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=57424
SOURCE HealthSaver
