Universal Health Care's Medicare members offered Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program

In an effort to promote wellness and disease prevention to its older adult members, Universal Health Care will begin offering the Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program on January 1, 2011, to subscribers of their Medicare Advantage Plan in 13 states (Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia). SilverSneakers is the nation's leading social support and exercise program designed to improve seniors' well-being and health.

“We are pleased Universal Health Care will be providing this important program, SilverSneakers, to its Medicare members”

Eligible Universal Health members can join the award-winning program at no additional cost and enjoy the fitness, fun and friends for which the acclaimed program is known. SilverSneakers is designed exclusively for older adults and taught by certified instructors, offering an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle direction and social opportunities. Published third-party studies have found individuals who participate in SilverSneakers programs have lower medical costs and require fewer hospital admissions.

"We are thrilled to be offering such a terrific program as SilverSneakers to our members," stated Universal CEO Dr. A.K. Desai. "This partnership will help Universal further our mission of partnering with our members in their journey to a healthy, fulfilling, and meaningful life."

Research has demonstrated SilverSneakers improves the health and well-being of participants through its unique combination of exercise and social support. A published 2008 study sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found SilverSneakers provided tangible health benefits for high-risk members. Members with diabetes who were active in SilverSneakers were admitted to the hospital less often, had lower inpatient care costs and had significant reduction in overall health care costs after only a year of participation.

"We are pleased Universal Health Care will be providing this important program, SilverSneakers, to its Medicare members," said Ben R. Leedle, Jr., Healthways CEO. "While regular exercise is a crucial part of healthy living for people of all ages, it is particularly effective in preventing or managing chronic diseases for older adults. SilverSneakers makes exercising an enjoyable and socially rewarding experience. Universal is showing that it values the health and well-being of its members."

SilverSneakers' robust network provides eligible members with access to more than 10,000 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^®, are available at select locations.