(February 24, 2006) – Sleep issues impacting seniors will be discussed at a free health lecture on Tuesday, March 7, at SCAN Health Plan's Senior Connections Resource Center in Ventura. As part of the program, entitled “Sleeping for Health,” there will be a practical discussion on what does and does not work for seniors in trying to get a good night's sleep.

"Almost half of all adults age 55 to 84 experience insomnia," said Steve Lehman, a community resource specialist at SCAN. "Knowing that your neighbors are also lying awake at night won’t help you get to sleep, but learning more about seniors' sleep issues and what you can do about them is a positive step toward a restful night of sleep."

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 and San Bernardino 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.