FOCUS ON HEALTH ECONOMICS:
Medline Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthscreening.html
A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, this web site provides information about various health screenings and the conditions they can detect.
AHRQ: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
http://www.ahrq.gov
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the AHRQ offers health checklists for men and women 50+, daily steps to good health, and information on immunizations.
FOCUS ON HEART HEALTH:
The American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org
The AHA's mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Their web site is loaded with tips on how to lower your cholesterol, eat better, and keep your heart in the best possible condition.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov/hearthealth/lifestyles/lifestyles.html
The FDA has been a long-time proponent of healthy eating. This section provides information on Dietary Guidelines for Americans and an updated Food Guide Pyramid.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/HeartDisease/prevention.htm
Check out this CDC page for features and tips on preventing heart disease, including a proper diet, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use.
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/metabolism/WT00006
What is metabolism? How does it work? The Mayo Clinic dispels some myths and misconceptions about how our bodies burn calories.
National Institutes of Health
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
Use this quick and easy calculator to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI), and how to aim for a healthy weight.
FOCUS ON MENTAL FITNESS:
NIH Senior Health
www.nihseniorhealth.gov
This easy-to-use website features health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.
Mental Health America
www.nmha.org
Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.
AARP Magazine
www.aarpmagazine.org
The Health section of AARP Magazine online includes a number of articles exploring the benefits of exercise for your brain.
Brain Health
www.aarp.org/health/brain/takingcontrol
The section entitled Brain Health on AARP's web site offers a wealth of informative material and simple tips you can use to keep your brain sharp.
The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives
www.dana.org/resources/seniors
The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public awareness about brain research. Click on the Education link in The Brain Resources for Seniors section of the organization's web site to find a list of links to interesting educational and volunteer opportunities for retirees and seniors.
FOCUS ON PHYSICAL FITNESS:
Step Up to Better Health™
aarp.stepuptobetterhealth.com
A free, award-winning program presented by AARP.* This 10-week walking program, this program encourages you to boost your physical activity and track your steps with an easy-to-use step counter and online tracking tool. You choose from four famous American hiking trails of various lengths and enter your steps after each walk. A Progress Page displays a map of the trail route and shows you how much ground you’ve covered. To learn more about any city shown on the map, click on the city name. When you complete a trail, you can download a certificate highlighting your achievement. The program also includes links to other walking and health resources. Now go take a hike. :)
The President’s Challenge
www.presidentschallenge.org
A free campaign to improve fitness for Americans of all ages. The campaign’s Active Lifestyle Challenge is a great way to get started on a fitness program. Set realistic goals and track your fitness progress online. (Please Note: Ordering awards requires modest fees. LACERA does not contribute to award costs.)
Get Fit on Route 66
aarp.getfitonroute66.com
AARP’s* Get Fit on Route 66 is a fun interactive tool that encourages you to engage in the physical activity(ies) of your choice and track your progress along a nostalgic online version of the legendary Route 66. This is a fun, interactive program.
FOCUS ON NUTRITION:
The American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org
In addition to extensive medical information, including tips for lowering cholesterol and reducing risk of heart attacks, this site provides excellent user-friendly tools for healthier living:
My Pyramid Plan
www.mypyramid.gov
Customized food guide, elements of the food pyramid, recommended dietary guidelines, and other nutrition and health information.
My Pyramid Worksheet
www.mypyramid.gov
Use the worksheet as a tool to explore your eating habits. Record what you eat, aim for the recommended daily servings in each food group.
USDA Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion
1-888-7-PYRAMID (888-779-7264)
7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.com
Comprehensive medical, health, disease management, and lifestyle-related material. Information on food, nutrition, and fundamentals of a healthy diet, healthy cooking, and healthy eating.
Healthy Eating
www.helpguide.org
New Food Pyramids and Tips for a Healthy Diet.
American Dietetic Association
www.eatright.org
Nutritional Fact Sheets
University of Pittsburgh
nutritionservices.upmc.com
An extensive collection of articles on nutrition and health.
University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)
www.cellinteractive.com
A chart to help you determine correct portion sizes for foods.
Your health insurance company web site is another great resource for wellness information. For individual insurance company web site links, visit our Insurance Company Contact section.
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