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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2008

Healthy Aging Begins With Better Health Decisions Now
February is Wise Health Consumer Month

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging joins with the Ohio Department of Insurance to encourage all Ohioans during February to wisely choose proper medical professionals, insurance, food, health products and healthy lifestyles. Wise Health Consumer Month, a program sponsored nationally by the American Institute of Preventive Medicine, encourages consumers to increase their knowledge and ability to make sound choices about their health care.

"Healthy, active aging begins when we maintain our good health now, by making informed choices about how we live, the products we use and the health care we receive," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Making healthy choices for yourself and your family now will greatly increase your chances for an active and vital future."

In addition to choosing a healthy lifestyle that suits your individual needs, being a wise health consumer means choosing doctors and understanding your health insurance options, such as your Medicare benefits. Medicare covers preventive care services that can help people live healthier lives, such as shots and vaccines and smoking cessation counseling.

"Understanding Medicare coverage options and how to take advantage of preventative benefits is key to feeling confident about your insurance and your health," said Mary Jo Hudson, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. "Representatives of the department's OSHIIP program are available at 1-800-686-1578 to help you work through the complexities of Medicare and answer any questions free of charge."

"February is a great time to follow-up on those New Year resolutions and start or renew our efforts to build healthier minds and bodies," added Riley. "Smart choices we make now help us live long, healthy and productive lives."

Older Ohioans can learn more about services available and get help making healthy decisions from their area agency on aging. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.