Health and Wellness from Humana

Lifelong well-being

It's never too late to add more activity to your life. In fact, it's important because moving more benefits both your physical and mental health.

Being active can help you shed pounds and keep them off¹. It can reduce your risk of many health conditions including heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. (In fact, diabetics who exercise regularly may be able to reduce the amount of medicine they take.) Breaking a sweat regularly can also raise the level of good cholesterol in your blood, strengthen your bones (which reduces your osteoporosis risk), muscles, and joints. It also improves your balance and flexibility — all of which lowers your chances of taking a fall.

The mental health benefits are huge, too². Regular workouts and a physical lifestyle can boost your energy level and mood (thanks to feel-good chemicals called endorphins), reduce stress and anxiety, and help alleviate depression.

Combine all these benefits and it's clear that moving more and sitting less helps older adults remain independent longer. And when you can live life fully, it's also more enjoyable!

Of course, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program and discuss the best activities for you. (This is even more important if you have a health condition or physical limitations.)

What is the difference between physical activity and exercise?

There are two categories of moving more. The first is living a physically active life. Examples include walking to do errands instead of driving, mowing your lawn, cleaning, climbing stairs, and gardening (like raking and shrub trimming). It also means dancing or playing with your children or grandchildren.

Exercise is also a physical activity, but it's aimed at making you more fit. Today there are so many choices that you're bound to find one you like. These include brisk walking, running, bike riding, and playing sports. Then there are traditional gym activities like cardio machines such as the treadmill, elliptical trainer, and stair climber and weight lifting. Group exercise classes are increasingly more popular with new types cropping up all the time. Options include body conditioning, aerobics, water aerobics, group cycling classes, kickboxing, dance-inspired classes, yoga, and much more.

Some activities improve flexibility, some build muscle strength, and some increase endurance, which is your ability to handle more activity longer. To reap all these benefits, vary the activities you choose during the week. These can include:

Endurance activities, which improve circulation and the health of your lungs and heart. They raise your breathing and heart rate, keep you fit, and make it easier to do everyday activities.

Strength activities, which build strong bones, muscles, and joints by working them against gravity. One example is lifting weights.

Balance and stretching activities, which help prevent injuries and falls. Examples include yoga and Tai Chi.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)³ and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on five or more days per week.

The key with any physical activity is enjoying what you're doing so you want to keep doing it. And remember exercise does not have to wear you out or cause pain to be good for you.

Keys to success

These tips can help you get started and keep your healthy habits going!

Look for chances to add more movement in everything you do. For example, rather than looking for the closest parking spot, find one that's a bit farther away.

Set short and long-term goals. Reward yourself when you reach one.

Put activity at the top of your “to do” list and mark it on your calendar.

Make the activity convenient and inexpensive.

Make it a social event. Do the activity with a friend or your pet. Join a gym or attend a group class.

Start slowly and gradually increase to avoid soreness or injury.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes.

If you miss a few days of exercise, don't feel bad about it. Just start again.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace treatment or advice from a healthcare professional. If you have questions, please talk with your doctor.

Medical Plans

Humana group medical plans are offered by Humana Medical Plan, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Inc., Humana Health Plans of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00235-0008, Humana Wisconsin Health Organization Insurance Corporation, or Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc., or insured by Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc., Humana Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, Humana Insurance of Puerto Rico, Inc. License # 00187-0009, or administered by Humana Insurance Company or Humana Health Plan, Inc. For Arizona residents, plans are offered by Humana Health Plan, Inc. or insured by Humana Insurance Company. Administered by Humana Insurance Company.

Go365^® is not an insurance product. Not available with all Humana health plans.

Individual Dental and Vision Plans

Humana Individual dental and vision plans are insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, The Dental Concern, Inc., CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc. or Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Inc. Discount plans offered by HumanaDental Insurance Company or Humana Insurance Company. For Arizona residents: Insured by Humana Insurance Company. For Texas residents: Insured or offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company or DentiCare, Inc (d/b/a Compbenefits).

In states, and for products where applicable, the premium may include a $1 administrative fee. If you have purchased an association plan, an association fee may also apply. Some plans may also charge a one-time, non-refundable enrollment fee. (This fee is non-refundable as allowed by state).

A minimum one-year, initial contract period may be required for some dental and vision plans, excluding Dental Savings Plus

Group Dental and Vision Plans (Insurance through your employer)

Humana group dental plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company of New York, The Dental Concern, Inc., Humana Medical Plan of Utah, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, CompBenefits Company, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Dental, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., or DentiCare, Inc. (DBA CompBenefits).

Humana group vision plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company, HumanaDental Insurance Company, Humana Health Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky, Humana Insurance Company of New York, CompBenefits Insurance Company, CompBenefits Company, or The Dental Concern, Inc.

Life Insurance Plans

Humana group life plans are offered by Humana Insurance Company or Humana Insurance Company of Kentucky.

Limitations and exclusions

This communication provides a general description of certain identified insurance or non-insurance benefits provided under one or more of our health benefit plans. Our health benefit plans have exclusions and limitations and terms under which the coverage may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, refer to the plan document or call or write Humana, or your Humana insurance agent or broker. In the event of any disagreement between this communication and the plan document, the plan document will control.

Individual applications are subject to eligibility requirements.

Before applying for group coverage, please refer to the pre-enrollment disclosures for a description of plan provisions which may exclude, limit, reduce, modify or terminate your coverage. View plan provisions or check with your sales representative.

For group plans, please refer to your Benefit Plan Document (Certificate of Coverage/Insurance or Summary Plan Description/Administrative Services Only) for more information on the company providing your benefits.

Statements in languages other than English contained in the advertisement do not necessarily reflect the exact contents of the policy written in English, because of possible linguistic differences. In the event of a dispute, the policy as written in English is considered the controlling authority.

Lifelong well-being

What is the difference between physical activity and exercise?

Keys to success

Choosing a doctor as your kids get older

Read between the lines

Successful weight loss strategies