SAN DIEGO, Dec. 2, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Specialty Health (ASH), a leading national health improvement organization, announced that Inter Valley Health Plan, a non-profit, federally qualified Medicare Advantage program, has selected its Silver&Fit(r) senior fitness program for its 14,600 eligible members in California.
"Inter Valley Health Plan prides itself on providing our members with excellent health plans and knowledge to help them live a long and happy life," said Ronald Bolding, Inter Valley Health Plan CEO and President. "Aligning with ASH fits our vision perfectly because the Silver&Fit senior fitness program is considered one of the best in the industry."
Upon enrolling in Silver&Fit, Inter Valley Health Plan members will receive a no-cost membership at a local participating fitness club. Their Silver&Fit membership will include all of the standard amenities offered by that club's basic membership, such as access to free weights, cardiovascular equipment, and where available, pools, saunas, and whirlpool facilities.
Seniors who are not able to participate at the fitness club-or that simply prefer to work out at home-may participate instead in the Silver&Fit Home Fitness Program. Upon enrollment, Silver&Fit members will receive an Exercise Kit and a Walking Kit, which include tools to help them perform exercises at home. Inter Valley Health Plan Home Fitness Program members may receive DVDs or Internet access to a variety of exercise classes, all of which are designed specifically for older adults.
All Silver&Fit members receive a quarterly newsletter, access to SilverandFit.com, and a toll-free hotline to provide information and answers to any questions about the program.
"Studies continue to show that regular physical activity can help seniors stay vital and healthy as they age," said ASH chairman and chief executive officer George DeVries. "By providing the Silver&Fit program to its senior members, Inter Valley Health Plan is ensuring a better quality of life for those who participate."
Silver&Fit was developed to assist older adults 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 Silver&Fit and American Specialty Health (ASH)
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) and its subsidiaries provide specialty benefit programs, fitness programs, health coaching and incentives, Internet solutions, and worksite wellness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide.
Based in San Diego, ASH has over 600 employees and covers more than 13.4 million members in specialty benefit, fitness, and coaching programs. For more information, visit ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.
About Inter Valley Health Plan
Inter Valley Health Plan is a non-profit, federally qualified, Medicare Advantage Organization contracted with Medicare dedicated to providing the best value in Medicare health coverage and to improve the quality of life for seniors throughout our Southern California service area. Today, we are proud to be one of the oldest managed care plans in Southern California, entrusted by 12,000 individuals stretching from Pomona and Palm Springs to Riverside, Hemet, Victorville, Temecula, and virtually every city and town in between. It is our continuing pledge to keep our members healthy and strong, while maintaining the non-profit and real service values our company was founded on nearly 30 years ago. For more information about IVHP, please visit www.IVHP.com or call (626) 812-5115.