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Healthways and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Partner to Improve Health, Well-Being of Seniors in the State

^{Published on 2010-10-26 12:45:24 - Market Wire}
 

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--As part of a statewide campaign promoting well-being and prevention to its older adult members, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will be offering the Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program to subscribers of their Medicare Advantage (BlueAdvantage) and Medicare Supplement Plans (BlueElite) throughout Tennessee. SilverSneakers is the nationa™s leading social support and exercise program and was designed specifically to improve the health and well-being of seniors.

"We are pleased BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will be providing this important program, SilverSneakers, to its Medicare members"

aWe are pleased BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will be providing this important program, SilverSneakers, to its Medicare members,a said Ben R. Leedle, Jr., Healthways CEO. aWhile regular exercise is a crucial part of healthy living for people of all ages, it is particularly effective in preventing or more effectively managing chronic diseases for older adults. By offering SilverSneakers to its senior population, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is showing that it values the health and well-being of its members. We commend the company for its continuing dedication to our shared home state.a

BlueAdvantage and BlueElite subscribers can join the award-winning program at no additional cost and reap the rewards of fitness, fun and friends for which the acclaimed program is best known. SilverSneakers is designed exclusively for older adults and taught by certified instructors, offering eligible members an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle direction and social opportunities. Studies have found individuals who participate in SilverSneakersa™ unique combination of exercise and social support have improved health and well-being and required fewer admissions to the hospital.

SilverSneakersa™ robust network provides eligible members with access to a variety of participating fitness and wellness facilities throughout the country. Many sites offer amenities such as exercise equipment, treadmills and free weights and the signature SilverSneakers fitness classes. Additional signature classes, such as YogaStretch and SilverSplash^®, may be available at select locations. Designated SilverSneakers staff members are available to guide members along the way.

About Healthways

Healthways is the leading provider of specialized, comprehensive solutions to help millions of people maintain or improve their health and well-being and, as a result, reduce overall costs. Healthways' solutions are designed to keep healthy people healthy, mitigate or eliminate lifestyle risk factors that can lead to disease and optimize care for those with chronic illness. Our proven, evidence-based programs provide highly specific and personalized interventions for each individual in a population, irrespective of age or health status, and are delivered to consumers by phone, mail, internet and face-to-face interactions, both domestically and internationally. Healthways also provides a national, fully accredited complementary and alternative Health Provider Network and a national Fitness Center Network, offering convenient access to individuals who seek health services outside of, and in conjunction with, the traditional healthcare system. For more information, please visit [ http://www.healthways.com ].