SAN DIEGO, Jan. 3, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- American Specialty Health (ASH), the nation's leading personal health improvement company, announced today that Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) has selected the Silver&Fit(r) fitness and healthy aging program for its senior product members in the state of Arizona.
Upon enrollment to the Silver&Fit program, select Humana members in Arizona receive a no-cost membership at a nearby participating fitness club. The Silver&Fit membership includes all of the standard amenities offered by that club's basic membership, plus Silver&Fit customized senior-specific exercise and healthy aging classes at some clubs. Members may also participate in social activities that help seniors meet other seniors.
Silver&Fit members in Arizona may receive no-cost individual personal training sessions at participating Silver&Fit clubs.
"The long-term health benefits of regular exercise for senior adults are compelling," said Debbie Smith, regional president of Senior Products for Humana's Western Region. "In addition to helping seniors stay physically healthy, Silver&Fit also offers a great way for them to socialize, meet new friends and have fun."
Humana members in Arizona may also choose to participate in the Healthyroads Coaching(tm) Program for Weight Management and Healthy Living, a telephone and online coaching and education program that coaches members on fitness, activity, nutrition and weight loss.
Seniors who are not able to participate at the fitness club or simply prefer to work out at home may participate instead in the Silver&Fit@Home(tm) program. Upon enrollment, seniors receive an Exercise Kit and a Walking Kit, which include tools to help them perform exercises at home. Silver&Fit@Home members may receive DVDs or Internet access to the same classes offered at the exercise facilities.
Silver&Fit members receive a quarterly newsletter, access to the SilverandFit.com Web site, and a toll-free hotline to provide information and answer questions about the program.
"Silver&Fit provides health programs that can transform a senior's life," said ASH chairman and chief executive officer George DeVries. "Humana is taking a proactive step in ensuring a healthier life for its members in Arizona."
Silver&Fit was developed to assist seniors in beginning or continuing a regular exercise program. Regular exercise has shown to be an important element in preventing some medical conditions, including high blood pressure and heart and lung disease. Cardiovascular and strength training can also help seniors improve their balance and become more flexible, preventing common slips and falls and speeding up the recovery period from such injuries. Access to the network of exercise facilities is provided through ASH subsidiary American Specialty Health Networks, Inc.
About American Specialty Health Incorporated
American Specialty Health Incorporated is the nation's premier personal health improvement company, providing benefit administration for CAM services, wellness, and fitness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, and employer groups in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. ASH has more than 600 employees at its headquarters in San Diego and regional offices. For more information about ASH, please visit www.ASHCompanies.com.
About Humana Inc.
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 11.3 million medical members. Humana offers a diversified portfolio of health insurance products and related services -- through traditional and consumer-choice plans -- to employer groups, government-sponsored plans, and individuals.
Over its 46-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at http://www.humana.com, including copies of:
* Annual reports to stockholders; * Securities and Exchange Commission filings; * Most recent investor conference presentations; * Quarterly earnings news releases; * Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls; * Calendar of events (includes upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors); * Corporate Governance Information.