SCAN Health Plan Arizona Offers Free Health and Fitness Classes in January

(PHOENIX, Ariz. – December 21, 2011) — SCAN Health Plan Arizona is helping seniors start off the year on the right foot … literally. The not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan is offering 23 health and fitness classes in January. Designed specifically to meet the needs of seniors, these classes are open to SCAN members and the general public. All classes are free, but space is limited so pre-registration is recommended. They are held at the SCAN Connections Resource Center at 1313 E. Osborn Road in Phoenix, unless otherwise noted. Anyone interested in attending may call 602-778-3420. January’s schedule includes:

• Easy Tai Chi – A form of moving energy derived from Chinese martial arts. It consists of a series of slow, fluid movements done softly and gently using breathing techniques for healthy biorhythms.
  • Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. at the Sun Lakes Country Club (25630 South Brentwood Drive in Sun Lakes).
  • Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the SCAN Connections Resource Center.
  
  
• Intermediate Tai Chi
  • Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 11 a.m. – noon at the SCAN Connections Resource Center.
  
  
• Zumba Plus – A Latin-inspired dance and fitness class for those 50 plus.
  • Jan. 12, 19 and 26 from 1 – 2 p.m. at the SCAN Connections Resource Center.
  
  
• Yoga for Every Body, Mind and Soul – A gentle yoga class specifically designed for seniors with movement disorders. Students will develop an overall sense of well-being, improved mobility and confidence.
  • Jan. 12, 19 and 26 from 2 – 3 p.m. at the SCAN Connections Resource Center.
  
  
• Matter of Balance – This eight-week program focuses on managing concerns about falls, controlling falls, environmental changes to reduce fall risk, and exercises that improve balance by increasing strength and flexibility.
  • Classes will be held every Tuesday from 9 – 11 a.m. beginning Jan. 17 through March 6 at Banner Good Samaritan (1111 E. McDowell Road in Phoenix).

As part of its health promotion program, SCAN Health Plan Arizona offers informative hour-long presentations for seniors. On Jan. 11 from 10 – 11 a.m., SCAN will present “Solutions for Life,” a weight-reduction and longevity program that is backed by cutting-edge research and is medically approved. Presenter Sam Zaruches, a certified nutritional counselor, will help participants understand how to maintain good health; stay physically active; and be able to live healthy, productive and successful lives. “We are delighted to have Sam come speak at the SCAN Connections Resource Center,” said Karen Richards, manager of the resource center. “Not only is he a great speaker, but he truly practices what he preaches.”

For more than 30 years, SCAN Health Plan has been focusing on the unique needs of people with Medicare and today is the fourth-largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan in the United States. SCAN Health Plan Arizona serves approximately 15,000 members in Maricopa and Pima counties. Further information is available at scanhealthplan.com.