Humana Honors Nation's "Game Changing" Athletes Competing at 2013 National Senior Games
Humana Honors Nation's "Game Changing" Athletes Competing at 2013 National Senior Games
Humana Game Changers Exemplify Healthy Living ... For All Ages
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pole vaulting, clearing hurdles, swimming 500 meters and captaining a softball team are just a few examples of what a group of age-50-and-over athletes are doing this summer. Humana Inc. (NYS: HUM) , presenting sponsor of the 2013 National Senior Games, is pleased to announce its "Humana Game Changers" program, recognizing Humana athletes who are competing in the National Senior Games in Cleveland from July 19 to August 1, and who serve as inspiring figures for all Americans to get active.
The Humana Game Changers exemplify lifelong well-being through their spirit of determination, personal strength and dedication to their sports. These athletes come from across the country and participate in various sports, including track and field, tennis, swimming and softball. Each Humana Game Changer demonstrates how regular physical activity positively impacts overall health and serves as an example to people of all ages that it's never too late - or too early - to pursue a healthy lifestyle.
Among the Humana Game Changers is 79-year-old Flo Meiler, of Shelburne, Vt., who will be competing in tennis and various track-and-field events, including her favorite event - pole vault.
"I didn't pick up pole vaulting and other track and field events until I was in my 60s," said Meiler, who has been competing in the National Senior Games since the 1990s. "I quickly found that I not only enjoyed competing, but also was pretty good for my age. I've loved competing ever since and want other seniors to know that anybody, at any age, can try something new to improve their health."
A video of Flo preparing for the pole vault competition can been seen at http://youtu.be/GNgGK5QMDgM.
Leading by example, the Humana Game Changers are sharing their stories with the nation to encourage all Americans to take small steps that will lead to becoming healthier. Their stories inspire individuals to get off the couch and try a new sport or fun activity.
"As the presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games since 2007, Humana is dedicated to promoting health and lifelong well-being," said Bruce Broussard, Humana's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The Humana Game Changers are living examples of one of Humana's core values - inspire health."
The following Humana Game Changers are all competing in the 2013 National Senior Games:
Mario Alvarez, 74, Milton, Fla.
Competing in his third National Senior Games, Mario Alvarez has been playing tennis for more than 40 years. He holds annual "Tennis Across America" clinics for players of all ages and taught accredited/continuing education tennis for 25 years at Pensacola State College. A member of the Navy for 22 years, Alvarez will compete in both singles and doubles tennis tournaments.
Miriam Jackobs, 73, Mason, Ohio
As a registered dietitian and adjunct professor at Wilmington College of Ohio for 20 years, Miriam Jackobs began participating in race walks in 1998. Since then, she's competed in races on all continents, including Antarctica in March 2012, and is in the process of becoming certified as a race walk judge. Jackobs will be participating in multiple race walk competitions.
Ethel Lehmann, 83, Largo, Fla.
A mother of five and grandmother of nine, Ethel Lehmann has loved playing softball since high school and was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2008. Freedom Spirit of Florida, her softball team since 1992, takes part in the National Senior Softball Tournament. Lehmann will be participating in softball.
Flo Meiler, 79, Shelburne, Vt.
A mother of three, grandmother of four and a great-grandmother of two, Flo Meiler, 79, picked up pole vaulting at age 65. She will be competing in pole vault, high jump, long jump, triple jump, 100 meter, 200 meter, javelin, discus, hammer throw, shot put and tennis doubles with her husband, Gene, at this year's National Senior Games. She is looking to add to her 15 world records and 12 U.S. records.
DeEtte Sauer, 72, Houston, Texas
When DeEtte Sauer first started swimming at age 58, she did not have the strength or technique to swim across the pool and wanted to quit on the spot. Thanks to her coach who pushed her to keep swimming, she now trains at least four times a week and has overcome serious heart-health issues. Sauer is participating in the butterfly, individual medley, backstroke and freestyle swimming competitions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend adults 65 and older get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, per week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. Additional information can be obtained at http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html.
More than 10,000 athletes age 50 and older are registered to compete in this year's National Senior Games, presented by Humana, which emphasize vitality at all ages. Athletes compete over 15 days at the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. More information can be found at www.nsga.com.
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health care company that offers a wide range of insurance products and health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-being. By leveraging the strengths of its core businesses, Humana believes it can better explore opportunities for existing and emerging adjacencies in health care that can further enhance wellness opportunities for the millions of people across the nation with whom the company has relationships.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:
Annual reports to stockholders;
Securities and Exchange Commission filings;
Most recent investor conference presentations;
Quarterly earnings news releases;
Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls;
Calendar of events (including upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors);
Corporate Governance information.
Humana Corporate Communications
Marvin Hill, 502-472-3390
mhill1@humana.com
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