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PHOENIX — Top-Rated Managed Care Organization Renews Commitment to the Nation’s Leading Exercise Program for Older Adults

Independent Health today extended its contract with HealthCare Dimensions (HCD), the national company that developed and manages the SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program, to extend their partnership through Dec. 31, 2007. SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, has been available to Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plan members in 19 participating sites throughout western New York since September 2003. Through the unique program, Independent Health members receive a basic fitness center membership at participating fitness centers in the eight counties of western New York where they can enjoy specialized SilverSneakers(R) classes taught by certified instructors focusing on improving strength, flexibility, balance and coordination.

Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plans include Encompass 65, Medicare Encompass, and its newest plan, Medicare Passport Plan PPO. More than 4,300 of its 29,000 Medicare Advantage plan members participate in the popular fitness program.

“Independent Health is excited to continue our relationship with HealthCare Dimensions and the SilverSneakers Fitness Program,” said Pam Menard, N.P., M.S., M.B.A., vice president, health promotion and care management. “We are committed to improving the health of our members, and research shows that engagement in physical activity improves health outcomes and aids in longevity. Our members love it — it provides a social outlet and enhances their physical and emotional well-being.”

In addition to classes, SilverSneakers participants can also enjoy other fitness center membership benefits, including use of each location’s exercise equipment (e.g., treadmills, exercise bikes, pool, etc.), weight training, circuit training, and other fitness offerings (e.g., aerobics, sauna, hot tub, social events).

“Independent Health has been a long-standing regional leader in their efforts to help their members take more responsibility for their own health,” said HCD executive vice president Robert Gottschalk. “The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a great example of Independent Health’s commitment to providing high-touch programs and health platforms that continue to forge a strong partnership with their members toward improved health. Independent Health remains one of HCD’s most innovative, committed and capable partners.”

About HealthCare Dimensions

HealthCare Dimensions (HCD) serves as the cornerstone of AXIA Health Management’s suite of products that strive to improve the health of individuals in specific population segments. AXIA provides comprehensive, integrated health management programs that prevent or delay the effects of disease or injury. HCD promotes health through unique physical activity programs and venues, and its signature offering, the SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program, is the nation’s leading fitness program designed exclusively for older adults. SilverSneakers, a unique physical activity, lifestyle and socially oriented benefit program, was designed to encourage Medicare-eligible individuals to increase their levels of physical activity and motivate them to continue to be active. As of August 2005, the SilverSneakers program is offered in 35 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, at no additional cost to 1.8 million Medicare-eligible individuals through a network of more than 1,200 contracted fitness centers and class sites. For more information, please call 800-295-4993 or visit www.silversneakers.com.

About Independent Health

Founded in Amherst, N.Y., in 1980, Independent Health has grown to be one of western New York’s largest businesses — an organization with 800 employees serving more than 350,000 individuals locally, regionally and nationally. The company has consistently been rated among the top health companies in the country for member satisfaction. Independent Health’s product portfolio includes a variety of managed care, consumer-directed and traditional indemnity products with extensive national networks, self-funded services, FSA and HAS administration, online enrollment, and worksite wellness programs.

CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 24, 1998–We are proud to announce the Spartacus Productions Health & Fitness web site to the public.

As you know Spartacus Productions has taken on many changes in the last six years. Over the years we have continued to grow, providing the needs of our industry for you - from music production with song writing to music management and promotions of special events concerts.

Microsoft Corp.’s new MSN Health & Fitness News (health.msn.com) has become the latest outlet for HealthDay, the news service distributed through the New York Times Syndicate and the Gannett and Cox newspaper chains.

HealthDay is based in Norwalk, Conn., but its ownership team includes George Giokas, chairman of ScoutNews, HealthDay’s parent, and president and chief executive of StaffWriters Plus, based in Hauppauge, and Andrew Sherman, StaffWriters Plus vice president of operations and sales.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Will Deliver 24-Hour Sports and Athletic, Professional Fitness, Family Recreation and Resort/Spa Programming for Entire Family

Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:LTM), a national operator of distinctive and large health and fitness centers, today announced that its newest sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort/spa center, located in San Antonio, Texas, will host a Grand Opening celebration on Friday, December 9, 2005, beginning at 6:45 p.m.

San Antonio community officials and Life Time Fitness representatives will host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcome several thousand new members to tour the health and fitness resort, and take in program demonstrations and activities for kids.

Life Time Fitness San Antonio marks the Company’s tenth health and fitness center in Texas and its 45th nationally. The new location also represents one of the Company’s large, 110,000 square foot model centers offering 24-hour access to more than 400 pieces of state-of-the-art cardio, resistance and free-weight training equipment, along with a multitude of amenities.

“Each of our centers are uniquely designed with the member experience in mind,” said Mike Brown, senior vice president, Operations, Life Time Fitness. “Our commitment is to meet the health and fitness needs of the entire family while delivering a ‘WOW’ experience to our guests each and every time they visit. Far more than a typical health club, Life Time Fitness is the essential destination for those families seeking a healthy and active way of life.”

Amenities include multiple, state-of-the-art group fitness and spinning studios with free classes, a team of certified personal trainers and programming, a wide selection of adult and youth programs and activities, rock climbing walls, two full-size basketball courts, squash, racquetball and outdoor volleyball courts, yoga studio, dry sauna and free towels and lockers. The center also sports large indoor and outdoor aquatics centers, featuring multiple, two-story waterslides, two large, zero-depth recreation pools, a lap pool and children’s interactive play area, two whirlpools and an outdoor bistro.

Families will appreciate Life Time Fitness’ large child center, featuring a play maze, computer center, separate infant playroom, basketball court and numerous other children’s activities. Dedicated family locker rooms also are available.

Furthermore, members can take advantage of LifeSpa, which delivers a full range of hair, nail and skin care services, and therapeutic massage, and LifeCafe, which offers the best in nutritional food and beverage services.

Life Time Fitness San Antonio will officially open for workouts at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10. The new center is located at 18510 US 281 N, San Antonio, TX 78258. The other nine Life Time Fitness centers in Texas are located in Willowbrook, Sugar Land and Cinco Ranch in the Houston market, and Colleyville, Flower Mound, Garland, North Dallas and Plano in the Dallas market and the recently opened club in Austin. For more information about Life Time Fitness San Antonio, please visit www.lifetimefitness.com.

About Life Time Fitness, Inc.

Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:LTM) operates distinctive and large sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort/spa centers. As of November 16, 2005, the Company operated 44 centers in eight states, including Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. The Company also provides consumers with personal training consultation, full-service spas and cafes, corporate wellness programs, health and nutrition education, the healthy lifestyle magazine - Experience Life, athletic events, and nutritional products and supplements. Life Time Fitness is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota (www.lifetimefitness.com). LIFE TIME FITNESS, the LIFE TIME FITNESS logo, and EXPERIENCE LIFE are registered trademarks of Life Time Fitness, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Carex Health Care Products will distribute what it says is the first universal home bed safety rails system through its nationwide network of 6,000 local and regional distributors.

Those distributors serve both the hospital and home care markets, but the new bed rails are designed for home use. They can be adjusted from 26 inches to 72 inches and fit all twin, double, queen or king sized beds, according to Steve Higgs vice president-marketing of the Newark, N.J.-based company.

“Other companies make bed rails that fit some bed sizes, but ours is the only one that fits all sizes,” he said.

The $60 dollar product will be shown a the National Home Health Care

Exposition this month in Atlanta as well as at other shows in 1991. With more than 1,000 products, Carex does not advertise individual products, but the company will continue to advertise in trade journals to keep its name before its customer

The side rails are constructed of anodized aluminum, while the cross bars are made of sturdy chrome-plated steel.

Q I have been taking cross-country airline flights for business and pleasure for several years and never experienced any physical difficulty because of it. Now I hear that people who take long flights could become victims of dangerous blood clots that form in their legs as a result of sitting in one place too long. What is this all about? And do I now have another reason to be afraid to fly? T.P., Atlanta

A The condition you are talking about is often referred to as “economy-class syndrome,” and it can cause some serious problems, doctors say. “Economy-class syndrome” refers to the relatively cramped seating space that airline passengers in the main cabin have to deal with. Because the tight quarters generally restrict one’s maneuverability, it can cause circulatory problems.

While the legs are pressed against the edge of the seat during long flights, the pressure behind the knee can affect circulation and possibly promote clotting. The danger is that clots can form a blockage in a blood vessel and if the clot breaks free, it can travel to the lungs and heart, blocking an artery. Doctors says such a condition can be fatal.

During long flights, medical experts suggest that airline passengers try to prevent clotting by flexing the knee periodically or frequently wiggling the feet and toes to promote continuous proper circulation. While the seat-belt light is turned off, it’s also a good idea to get out of your seat and walk around to ensure proper blood flow.

Q I take quite a bit of medication for a variety of medical problems, and the drugs I have to take are very expensive. I’ve never thought about asking my doctor to prescribe generic drugs because I didn’t know if they would be as effective. What is the difference between generic and brandname drugs? M.N., Minneapolis

A Other than name and price, there’s not much difference between a generic and brand-name drug. A generic drug is known by its chemical name and a brand name is what the manufacturer calls the drug.

The products have the same ingredients. Generic drugs must have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form–pill, liquid or injection. But before generic drugs are approved, they must not only have identical active chemical compounds as brandname drugs, but the quantity and speed of absorption of its ingredients into the bloodstream must also be the same or similar.

Typically, generic drugs are less expensive than brand-name drugs. They can cost substantially less than their counterparts because the companies that make them don’t have to recover the costs of research and development, doctors say.

Talk to your doctor to see if generic drugs are right for you. All drugs don’t have generic equivalents, but pharmacists can compare and evaluate generic and brand-name drugs, and in consultation with your doctor, they can provide the right medication at the best possible price.

`BRAIN FREEZE’

Q Since I was a child I have wondered why you can get a painful headache when you drink something very cold or eat ice cream too fast. Can you explain what’s going on when this happens and if this condition can cause any lasting effects? E.G., Washington, D.C.

A All of us have experienced what is commonly known as “brain freeze,” which really is the dialtion of blood vessels in the roof of your mouth–widening them to allow more warm blood to the area. Doctors say the headache is referred pain carried from the nerves in your mouth through branches of one of your cranial nerves. Those branches transmit the pain and it’s manifested as a headache.

IT’S A WINTER MORNING AND YOU’RE RUNNING LATE. You flop out of bed and lift a weary hand to peek through the blinds. The sight of overcast skies or snow and ice can make you want to slink back under the covers. But before you scold yourself for being lazy or undisciplined, you should know you’re not alone.

Have you ever wondered why it’s so much harder to get up during the winter? Or why you suddenly feel down as nights grow long? Or why you feel so cranky on cold, damp days?

Psychologists have a name for our collective winter funk. They call it seasonal affective disorder or SAD, a depression that strikes about 10 million Americans–mostly women–according to statistics from Meharry Medical College.

“As winter approaches, there’s less sunlight,” says Dr. Zia Wahid, the director of Mehaury’s residency training in psychiatry and assistant psychiatry professor. “That affects the brain’s neurotransmitters that monitor our mood.”

Wahid says SAD is a cyclical feeling of melancholy that many people who live in northern parts of the U.S. or Canada experience. It begins in mid to late autumn, but people usually shake off the depression as sunshine returns in March or April.

But before you move to sun-drenched states like Florida or Arizona, you should know there’s another type of winter sadness that can affect everyone–even those living in warmer climes. Some call it the holiday blues.

“Winter is the time of getting together for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the holidays,” Wahid says. “Many people who have lost significant others, parents or close friends begin to miss them more. For many people it brings back sad memories.”

Still others face the mental stress of meeting holiday expectations of gift-giving and creating lavish meals. When they can’t meet these demand Wahid says, they get depressed.

But the good news is there’s help. If you’re tired of feeling blue or gropping your way to the shower, you might want to consider some of the following tips. Experts say incorporating these fitness and diet guidelines into your life can help you boost your energy and beat the winter blahs. They’re also good practices to keep in mind year-round.

The key to feeling invigorated, experts say, is to keep your body and mind alert. One of the best ways to do that is through regular exercise.

“The mood of people in general is a little more upbeat when the weather is nice,” says Donna Kelly, a personal trainer with Chicago’s East Bank Club. “They can walk along the lake or rollerblade and bike.

That’s why the bad weather brings more people inside to use health clubs.” Kelly says exercise stimulates chemicals that monitor awareness in your body and improves your circulation. She says people at the club often tell her how much more alive they feel after working out.

Chicago Attorney Susan McKeever can testify to the pick-me-up power of exercise. One recent autumn morning, the working mom skipped her usual 6 a.m. routine of yoga and riding a stationary exercise bike in favor of catching a few more ZZs. By mid-afternoon, she regretted her choice.

“It’s 3:30 p.m. and I’m really tired,” said the corporate lawyer for Sidley and Austin. “I have what I call a brain lag. But I have no choice, I can’t just lie down and take a nap. I have to keep on working.”

McKeever, 34, says she grew up in an active home. She remembers family trips spent hiking, bicycling, swimming. Before she became an attorney, McKeever was a professional dancer. But after the birth of her 2-year-old son, Lester Malik, she started slowing down. Every-other-day workouts with her husband, Jeffery Larry, became snatching 20 minutes at dawn’s first light.

“It’s hard, especially when I’m really tired,” she says. “I’ll keep telling myself, `Just five more minutes [of sleep]. Just five more minutes.’ But once I get past the first few minutes of working out, I always wish I had more time to keep going.”

McKeever says she thinks better when she exercises. The afternoon haze is replaced by clear, focused thoughts. That’s the feeling that motivates:: her most days when she longs to spend just a few more moments in bed.

“I’m in a much bitter space and place when I work out,” she says. “I feel more alert and ready for work, and it lasts until I go to sleep.”

Kelly says who want to start getting in shape should follow a good fitness regimen which includes aerobic, strength and flexibility

* Aerobic workouts raise your heartbeat through exercises such as walking on the treadmill, using step machines and riding an exercise bicycle.

* Strength exercises incorporate weight routines into your workout through free-weights or weight machines.

* Flexibility means making sure your body goes through of motion doing cooldown stretches after your workout.

* “I like to compare the body to a car,” the personal trainer says. “You service your car regularly so you can keep it for a long time. The same goes for the body: It needs regular service so it can function properly.”

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE, once a worry, is now a reality. Doctors treating patients for such diseases as pneumonia or tuberculosis often have to try three or more different antibiotics before finding one that works. If things get worse, they may be totally unable to reverse some bacterial infections.

Bacteria learn how to defend themselves against antibiotics when they’re overexposed to them, rendering even potent drugs useless. To reverse this frightening trend, two steps are being called for more urgently than ever:

1. Stopping the overuse of antibiotics in humans. Almost 3 million pounds of antibiotics are prescribed to Americans annually, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group. Many of these prescriptions are for viral infections (such as flu and colds), which antibiotics can’t help.

2. Halting the massive use of antibiotics in animal feed. The UCS estimates that a staggering 24.6 million pounds of antibiotics are fed to animals each year to prevent illness. Result: Bacteria are increasingly unaffected by these drugs.

Alarmed physicians are now speaking out loudly and in unison. Recently, the editors of The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) called for a ban on all non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics in agriculture. One clincher was three studies published in the NEJM last winter on the public-health risks of pouring antibiotics into animal feed. Researchers tested ground chicken, turkey, beef and pork bought in supermarkets–and found that 20 percent of these grocery staples contained deadly salmonella. Worse, 84 percent of the contaminated samples were resistant to at least one antibiotic and more than half were resistant to at least three.

Reducing human overuse of antibiotics is equally vital, but may be simpler than suspected if a small new study holds true. It suggests that a quick doctor-patient conversation can do wonders. When people with bronchitis–typically a viral infection that antibiotics don’t help–were told about the pros and cons of antibiotic use, they often opted to forego the drugs, according to a report in the British Medical Journal (January, 2002).

Of 259 bronchitis patients studied, doctors found that only 47 of them needed antibiotics, and they were urged to take them. The other 212 didn’t, but they too were given a prescription. However, half of them were also told about the problems of antibiotic abuse and the natural course their viral infection would likely take. One quarter of those patients never filled the prescription. If those “results were extrapolated to national figures, 750,000 fewer courses of antibiotics would be prescribed each year,” say the researchers. And that’s just in the tiny U.K.

CAN’T REMEMBER where you left the remote? Clueless about where the car keys are? Have a cup of joe. A small study at the University of Arizona suggests that coffee helps jog your memory, especially around 3 or 4 p.m., when memory naturally starts to slide–and especially in older adults.

Using a verbal learning test, researchers quizzed 40 people at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The volunteers, all over age 65, were given a cup of coffee before each test–but only half were given the real thing; the rest got decaf. The decaf group “showed a significant decline in memory performance from morning to afternoon,” according to the researchers. But the caffeine drinkers had little to no loss in their daily short-term memory.

Caffeine’s memory-boosting benefits first came to light about four years ago, when British scientists found that morning coffee drinkers retain new information better than coffee abstainers. This latest study suggests that caffeine also fights memory fade-outs over the course of the day. Hold that thought.

For many people, the enticing smell of a new car is as irresistible as the scent of freshly baked bread. But ironically, a study has found that a new vehicle’s seductive aroma is loaded with toxins.

Australian researchers report that many common materials used inside new cars–vinyl, plastics, carpeting, glue–combine to release noxious fumes that can irritate the eyes and nose, and cause headaches and nausea. But the riskiest offenders appear to be phthalates (THAL-ates), softeners used in manufacturing plastic. Phthalates can leach out over time and are linked to kidney and liver damage and other serious health problems.

The small but worrisome two-year study, which was done by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, tested two locally manufactured cars and one import. The toxic emissions were higher in the Aussie-built cars because they went from factory to showroom faster than the import. But even in the import, volatile compounds stayed high for four months. The levels were considered unsafe by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council.

What’s a new-car owner to do? Try to buy in warm weather and keep the windows open as much as possible for a few months. If you suffer from chemical sensitivities, try a portable air filter.