Chicago hospitals teaming-up to improve health education

In Chicago's southern section, known as Southland, the need for improved health status among the local population brought together marketing and business planning professionals from 11 healthcare entities that normally compete. Their group, named the Southland Health Alliance, came together to meet these urgent needs for better health education and lifestyle changes. With the visionary support of Midwest Suburban Publishing Co., they are collaborating on a year-long series of print advertisements addressing the problem faced by their community.

"Lose to Win" with SHA
           

Losers could be winners in a new contest sponsored by the SouthtownStar newspaper and the Southland Health Alliance.

"Lose to Win" combines all the elements of a healthy weight-loss program -- nutritional information, fitness tips and peer support -- with the added incentive of cash prizes. Two grand prize winners will receive $500 each, and smaller weekly prizes will be awarded.

"A lot of people made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight," said Mike Waters,co-publisher of the SouthtownStar.
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Healthy Aging: The 60s -- A New Beginning
Despite their best intentions, many Americans will reach retirement age flabby, out of shape and worried about their health.

But by age 60, is it too late to turn things around?

"It's never too late," said Dr. Sharon Brangman, chief of geriatrics at the State University of New York's Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. "Go to your doctor, get a checkup, pay attention to any chronic problems you might have. Most of all, make sure you're an aggressive and active participant in getting all your health needs addressed."

Exercise should be the foundation of any get-healthy plan at this -- or any other -- age, said Brangman, who's also a member of the American Geriatrics Society.