(March 21, 2006) — Laura Harman, M.D., a family practitioner at Buenaventura Medical Group, will discuss the health benefits of walking at a free health lecture on Tuesday, April 4, at SCAN Health Plan’s Senior Connections Resource Center in Ventura. As part of the program, entitled “The Many Benefits of Walking,” there will be a practical discussion on overcoming excuses, easing in and out of each walking session, and staying safe. Light refreshments will be served.

The lecture will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 1001 Partridge Drive, Suite 200, in Ventura, which is near the government center two blocks east of the Victoria and Telephone intersection. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required as space is limited. Call (805) 658-0365.

Staffed by community resource specialists, SCAN’s Senior Connections Resource Center is a place where seniors or their loved ones can get help with finding the services they may need. In the relaxed setting of the center, visitors can access free information on health improvement and management, connections to resources in the community, Internet access to the Healthwise Knowledgebase, monthly presentations on health topics, and weight and blood pressure self-management equipment.

Founded in 1977, SCAN is one of the four largest Medicare Advantage Plans in all of California and consistently ranks as one of the state’s fastest growing. SCAN currently serves more than 80,000 seniors in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Kern counties. In addition to its health plan, SCAN also manages one of the largest and most successful Multi-Purpose Senior Service Projects (MSSP) in California providing community-based, long-term care and in-home personal-care coordination for low-income frail seniors. Further information may be obtained at www.scanhealthplan.com.