HEALTH ALLIANCE 301 S. VINE ST. URBANA, IL 61801-3347
PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID CHAMPAIGN, IL PERMIT NO 488
Health and wellness or prevention information
The Health Alliance Star VOLUME 7
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WINTER 2017
MIDWEST
Make 2017 Your Year to Get Active Being physically active is important for staying healthy as you age. Physical activity can help you keep doing the things you love and can also help lower your risk for many types of cancer and other diseases. Plus, it helps improve your balance and mental health and helps keep your heart healthy.
Exercise and Fall Prevention Falling can happen any time of year, but winter comes with some major fall risks, like icy and snowy conditions. Along with salting your sidewalk, exercise can help reduce your risk of falling by increasing your strength and balance.
Lifting light weights, like water bottles, can help build your strength. And standing on one foot, holding onto a sturdy chair, can help improve your overall balance.
Everyday Ways to Get Active We want you be your healthiest, so our plans give you access to two programs that can help you start exercising or stay on track if you already work out. If you’re not already active, talk to your doctor about an exercise plan.
Be Fit
Rally
Our brand-new Be Fit fitness program gives you the flexibility to get fit at the gym of your choice. We’ll reimburse you for your gym membership or fitness class fees up to $30 per month for a total of up to $360 per year.
Rally®*, our easy-to-use digital health experience, is another helpful fitness tool that’s now included in your plan. Rally uses personalized missions, group challenges, support and rewards to help you with your health in these areas and more.
You can submit receipts monthly, quarterly or at the end of the year. You can learn more and find our reimbursement form at HealthAllianceMedicare.org/Perks. We also included our reimbursement form in your 2017 plan materials. And you can request a form by calling the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.
• Exercise • Sleep • Nutrition • Stress management You can learn more or start your Rally experience at HealthAlliance.org/Rally.
Ideas to Get and Stay Active • Be Fit fitness program (HealthAllianceMedicare.org/Perks) • Rally (HealthAlliance.org/Rally) • Vacuuming • Dusting • Bowling • Going for a walk (can bring a friend for safety and to socialize) • Playing a physical game or sport with your grandkids • Dance classes in your community • Walking the aisles of the grocery store and parking farther away when you shop Remember, always talk to your doctor before starting a new physical activity plan.
There are lots of ways you can start moving more and increase your physical activity. Some household chores can really get you moving. And playing with your grandkids can also raise your activity level. The list at the bottom of the page gives you some helpful tips and ideas to start moving more. Work with your doctor on your physical activity plan. He or she knows your overall health and can help you make choices to fit your needs.
Exercise and Osteoporosis Osteoporosis makes bones fragile and more likely to fracture. Exercise is a great way to help lower your risk. If you’ve already had a fracture or think you’re at risk, talk to your doctor about a bone density test to find out if you have osteoporosis. You can also talk to your doctor about the best ways to help lower your risk and prevent fractures.
*If you don’t have internet access, health surveys, self-management tools and rewards are also available by mail or phone. To participate, call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.