About

Energizer launches a year-round health campaign to educate consumers on how to keep going and stick to their fitness and health resolutions throughout the year. The Live Healthy. KEEP GOING ® website consists of health tips on issues such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, cholesterol, as well as provide healthy lifestyle and fitness tips for those on the run.

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Children Speak Up: A Parent’s Hearing Loss Hinders Relationships
From denial to missing important details: A new survey reveals that boomers’ relationships with their adult children can suffer when a parent has a hearing impairment
                                                                                       

In conjunction with Better Hearing and Speech Month in May, Energizer Battery, Inc.’s , Energizer Specialty Batteries Division conducted a survey to understand how a hearing impairment can affect a parent’s relationship with their adult children. Energizer’s “All Ears” Hearing Survey polled two groups: boomers who suffer from hearing loss; and adult children who have a parent who suffers from hearing loss. The survey found that nearly half of adult children surveyed (45 percent) said a parent’s hearing loss has had an effect on the relationship they have with that parent.

Energizer’s “All Ears” Hearing Survey is part of the battery manufacturer’s “Live Healthy. KEEP GOING®” campaign, which encourages baby boomers to lead healthy, active lifestyles – with some help from battery-powered devices like hearing aids. Key survey findings include:

• Hearing loss hinders relationships. Nearly half of adult children surveyed (45 percent) said a parent’s hearing loss has had an effect on the relationship they have with that parent. One in three (36 percent) said their parent misses important details about their lives; while nearly one in ten (9 percent) said they don’t communicate or share information with their parent as much as they would like to because hearing loss gets in the way.

• Putting appearance before family? Although 72 percent of boomers said their hearing loss has affected the relationship they have with their adult children, only 11 percent choose to wear a hearing aid. Reasons for NOT wearing a hearing aid? One in three boomers said they don’t like the way hearing aids look or feel and they believe the device will make them look or feel older than they really are.

• Do as I say, not as I do. More than 80 percent of boomers said it was extremely or very important for their adult child to have their hearing checked; however less than half (42 percent) of boomers surveyed had their own hearing screened within the past two years.
  

• Dad, can you hear me now? More than four out of ten adult children (44 percent) said their parent needs a hearing aid.

• You’ve got to see it to believe it. When it comes to having a visual impairment, nearly all of the boomers polled (99 percent) said they wear glasses/contacts all the time or for specific tasks; whereas only 11 percent wear a hearing aid to correct their hearing impairment.
  

For additional information on hearing health and fitness tips, or to learn more about Energizer’s “Live Healthy KEEP GOING. ” program, visit www.energizer.com/livehealthy.

©2009 Energizer Energizer, Energizer Bunny design and other marks are trademarks of Energizer

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Boomers Rate Their Spouses Overall Health
Survey reveals little exercise, a wish for weight loss and surprising aging expectations                                                                                       

To mark the second year of its "Live Healthy. KEEP GOING®" campaign, Energizer Battery conducted a recent survey1 of Baby Boomers on their attitudes towards their health and their spouses' health. The survey is part of a year-round campaign to educate Baby Boomers about better ways to live a healthy, active lifestyle – with some help from key battery-powered devices.  Key survey findings include: 

• Fit or fooling themselves? More than seven out of ten respondents (73 percent) rated their health – and the health of their spouse – as good or excellent.  However, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, half of Americans in the 55 to 64 age group have high blood pressure and two in five are obese.
  
  
• Don't go changing, well, maybe just a little bit. When asked if they would change anything about their spouse's health habits, more than four out of ten wished their spouses would exercise more (48 percent); lose weight (41 percent); and eat healthier (41 percent).
  
  
• If exercise only came in a pill. More than two thirds of respondents (68 percent) report taking vitamins or nutritional supplements to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but only one third (33 percent) admit to exercising regularly.
  
  
• Exercise? I'd rather not. While a third of respondents (33 percent) found exercise energizing and a way to keep going during times of stress, a majority of respondents (66 percent) admitted they dislike exercise or find it a hassle.
  
  
• Low expectations or the look of love? When asked how their wife was aging, 39 percent of men said "better than expected"; women gave their husbands lower marks – only 30 percent thought their husbands were aging better than they expected.  On the flip side, 18 percent of women responded their husband was aging worse than they expected; whereas only 11 percent of men gave their wife the "worse than expected" designation.  Nearly half of all respondents (48 percent) thought their spouse was aging "as expected."   
  
  
• Every step counts. Of those who exercise, 13 percent keep going with a pedometer or mp3 player. 

For additional information on health and fitness tips, or to learn more about Energizer's "Live Healthy. KEEP GOING®" program, visit www.energizer.com/livehealthy .

For additional information on hearing health and fitness tips, or to learn more about Energizer’s “Live Healthy KEEP GOING. ” program, visit www.energizer.com/livehealthy.

©2009 Energizer Energizer, Energizer Bunny design and other marks are trademarks of Energizer

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“Healthy Hearing” Tips
from Audiologist, Dr. Bary Williams

To promote healthy hearing, the Energizer Specialty Battery brand has teamed up with audiologist Dr. Bary Williams to support the 2009 national “Live Healthy. KEEP GOING” campaign. This campaign encourages baby boomers to lead healthy, active lifestyles - with some help from battery-powered devices.

The “All Ears” component, which kicks off in May as part of Better Hearing and Speech Month, helps to educate baby boomers and older adults about the importance of hearing healthcare. Dr. Williams’ tips for interacting with hard of hearing individuals, even those wearing hearing aids include:

1. Be in the same room with the person you are speaking with and if possible, look towards them as you speak.

2. Don’t yell or exaggerate words, as this makes comprehension more difficult. Speak the syllables slowly.

3. It is much tougher to communicate with background noise and because certain parts of speech are directional, avoid looking away from them when you talk through added noise.

4. Use assisted hearing technology available (for no charge) at most entertainment venues.

5. Today’s technological advances are exploding with improvements that can help and hearing devices are smaller and more effective than ever.

6. Choose the right batteries for your specific needs. For example, Energizer offers hearing aid batteries with a built-in dispenser aspect, which reduces the chance of dropping or fumbling during insertion.

7. Above all, remember that for the vast majority of hearing impaired hearing aid users as well as ‘should be’ users, it’s not hearing that is typically our problem. It’s syllabic clarity, so calmly repeating and speaking slower helps the most.

8. Last but not least, isn’t everyone’s quality of life worth at the least trying to get a definition of the facts, regardless of whether seeking help is in the immediate future?

9. Basic hearing screenings are available locally in your area for little to no cost, in communities across America, so it should be checked regularly.

For additional information on hearing health and fitness tips, or to learn more about Energizer’s “Live Healthy. KEEP GOING. ” program, visit www.energizer.com/livehealthy.

©2009 Energizer Energizer, Energizer Bunny design and other marks are trademarks of Energizer

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Dr. Bary Williams
30 year hearing health industry veteran

Dr. Bary Williams, AuD-CCC-A, is a 30 year hearing health industry veteran who was born with significant hearing loss that he never let slow him down. His extensive management work history in industry consulting, manufacturing, multi-site practice management, and voluminous practitioner training exposure has been varied and unique. He was the founder and former President/CEO of American Hearing Benefits, Inc., one of the largest hearing health care benefits providers in America. He’s been a featured speaker at numerous national, state and regional conventions, with extensive experience at each and every level of the hearing health care industry.

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Fitness Tips
from Workout Expert Denise Austin

Energizer teams with fitness expert Denise Austin to help baby boomers live healthy and stick to their fitness resolutions year-round. Under the link, revise/update first paragraph to read: To encourage baby boomers to live healthy, Energizer specialty batteries has teamed up with workout expert, Denise Austin, to promote its “Live Healthy” program. The program highlights ways to live a healthy, active lifestyle – with some help from key battery-powered devices.
Following are some of Denise’s tips. “Keep Going®”

• It doesn't matter how old you are, it's never too late to start. I am 50 (and proud of it), and I still work out for 30 minutes each day. Start with 10 minutes a day and gradually work up to more.
  
  
  
• Utilizing devices such as pedometers, calorie counters and MP3 players can help make exercising fun and enjoyable. In fact, Dr. Dena Bravata, co-author of a series of studies from Stanford University, showed that pedometer use increases activity and depends primarily on setting goals and keeping a diary of the number of steps walked each day. The survey respondents are now walking about one mile more a day than they did before they started their step-counting routines!
  
  
  
• Don't even consider not doing it! For every reason you can think of not to exercise, there are a million reasons why you should, including better self-esteem and lower risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, a recent Energizer survey found that one third of baby boomers reported lack of enjoyment as the top reason for skipping exercise.
  
  
  
• Everyone knows you need a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, but don't forget those routine health screenings such as blood pressure, diabetes and, believe it or not, hearing loss – preventative efforts are the key to healthy living.
  
  
  
• Get your hearing checked yearly by an audiologist. Knowing that one-third of baby boomers think they might have hearing loss, it's important to get your hearing checked at all ages, not just when there is a notice of hearing loss.
  
  
  
• Get up to speed on the latest technologies – from hearing aids with Bluetooth technology to hearing aid dispensers like the Energizer® EZ Change®, it's easier than ever to remain active.
  
  
  
• Be sure to maintain all of your vital devices. Blood pressure monitors, glucose monitors and insulin pumps should have back-up batteries available at all times.

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Listen to This: Hearing Problems Can Stress Relationships
Energizer All Ears survey reveals being hard of hearing can cause hard feelings between spouses

May 1, 2008 (ST. LOUIS, MO) – In conjunction with Better Speech and Hearing Month in May, Energizer Battery, Inc. conducted a recent survey¹ of Baby Boomers whose spouses suffer from hearing loss to understand how a hearing impairment can affect a relationship. The survey found that nearly half (47.8 percent) of the respondents feel that their marriage has suffered because of their spouse’s hearing loss.

The survey, which polled men and women ages 44 to 62, is part of the Energizer Specialty Batteries division that supports the “Live Healthy. KEEP GOING®. ” campaign. This campaign encourages baby boomers to lead healthy, active lifestyles – with some help from battery-powered devices. Key survey findings include:

• Being hard of hearing can cause hard feelings. Nearly seven out of ten (64.8 percent) respondents feel annoyed when their spouse can not hear them. In addition, 16.4 percent feel ignored and 8.1 percent feel sad or hurt.

• Raised voices become more familiar. More than half (59.8 percent) find themselves in recent years talking louder daily so their spouse can hear them. And 83.4 percent feel that if they do talk loud enough, it helps their spouse better understand what they are saying.

• Is it hearing loss, or selective hearing? While 45.3 percent of respondents believe their spouse doesn’t hear chore requests, 77.5 percent say their spouse can hear them fix a snack.

• Nearly half believe their spouse is in denial about their hearing loss. Of the Boomers surveyed, 56.8 percent feel their spouse is reluctant to get his or her hearing checked. Nearly half (46.4 percent) feel that denial is the number one reason their significant other is hesitant to get his or her hearing checked.

• Hearing screenings are few and far between. More than a third (35.6 percent) know their spouse hasn’t had his or her hearing checked in more than three years. Moreover, 23.4 percent revealed that their spouse has never had his or her hearing checked.
  

“This study illustrates that hearing loss affects more than the person experiencing it,” said Dr. Bary Williams, audiologist. “Whether it is diagnosed hearing loss or a slight case of selective hearing, couples must work together and encourage healthy hearing habits.”

Dr. Williams also stresses the connection between hearing screenings and maintaining a high quality of life. For example, untreated hearing loss could mean the difference between living independently and requiring assistance, says Dr. Williams. “If you can’t hear the phone, doorbell, fire alarm, etc., it’s going to be extremely difficult to maintain your independence. If you have a hearing issue—and one-third of boomers think they do—get a hearing screening to determine if you need a hearing aid,” he advises. “If not, you put yourself and others at risk.”

And for those who need a hearing aid, Dr. Williams says don’t despair. “Thanks to technological advancements in hearing devices and their batteries, people can find solutions to meet their specific needs and lifestyles.” Energizer has introduced new perforated packaging for its hearing aid batteries that is easier and more convenient to carry and use. Energizer also continues to offer the Energizer® EZ Change®, the first and only hearing aid battery dispenser that allows users to insert their batteries without having to handle the tiny batteries or tabs.

“We know it is often difficult for people in a relationship to overcome the stigmas related to hearing loss, and we’re trying to set the record straight through this program,” said Stacey Harbor, director of marketing for Specialty Batteries at Energizer. “We want to educate people about hearing loss prevention, as well as provide solutions for others to manage their hearing health, so they can live active and enjoyable lifestyles.”

For additional information on hearing health and fitness tips, or to learn more about Energizer’s “Live Healthy KEEP GOING®. ” program, visit energizer.com/livehealthy. To find an audiologist, go to asha.org.

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The survey was conducted online with a random sample of 1065 men and women, 44 -62 years of age (Baby Boomers) who have a spouse that suffers from hearing loss – all members of the CyberPulseTM Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel has been carefully selected to closely match US population demographics and the respondents are representative of American men and women 18 +. Research was conducted in March 2008. The overall sampling error rate for this survey is +/-3% at the 95% level of confidence

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Diabetes Tips
from Diabetes Expert Dr. Stephen Sanders

Diabetic expert, Dr. Stephen Sanders, also has teamed up with Energizer specialty batteries to encourage baby boomers to take preventive measures annually as part of living an active, healthy lifestyle – with some help from important battery-powered medical devices.  Following are some of Dr. Sanders’ tips:  

• Symptoms of diabetes include feeling thirsty and tired, urinating often, weight loss, blurred vision, and having cuts or bruises that are slow to heal. If you are experiencing any of those, see your physician and have your blood sugar levels checked. Even if you feel well, ask about screening for diabetes with blood glucose tests every one to three years.
  
  
• Exercise is extremely important for diabetics as it strengthens the cardiovascular system, increases circulation to the arms and legs and helps control blood sugar levels. Walking, jogging, rowing and swimming are best. Diabetics should be cautious about exercises that involve pushing or pulling heavy objects and lifting weights. Blood pressure may be raised during this kind of exercise.
  
  
• Diabetics should eat small meals more frequently such as three small meals with one or two healthful snacks between meals. This helps maintain a more stable blood sugar level. Also, eat about the same number of calories per day and never skip meals.
  
  
• Diabetics must work to keep their blood sugar (glucose) as near to normal as possible and one of the best ways to do so is using a blood glucose meter.
  
  
• Be sure to maintain all of your vital devices. Blood pressure monitors, glucose monitors and insulin pumps should have back-up batteries available at all times.
  
  
• Routine health screenings such as blood pressure, diabetes and hearing loss are extremely important preventive efforts and the key to healthy living and disease management.
  
  
• Work with a diabetes educator to learn all that you can about self-care.

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Energizer Survey Finds Baby Boomers Are Feeling Younger,
Yet Half Are Experiencing Health-Related Problems

To kick off its “Live Healthy. KEEP GOING ® ” campaign, Energizer's specialty batteries division is releasing the results of a recent survey polling baby boomers on their attitudes towards their health. The survey is part of a year-round campaign to educate baby boomers about better ways to live a healthy, active lifestyle – with some help from key battery-powered devices. Key survey findings include:

• 50 is the new 40 – Almost two-thirds of baby boomers feel they are younger than their actual age.
  
  
• A personal choice – In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, 57 percent of baby boomers make it a point to eat healthy foods, 41 percent exercise, 40 percent get routine check-ups and 17 percent use health monitoring devices. However, 24 percent do nothing in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  
  
• Breaking the habit – More than half (55 percent) of baby boomers feel they’re healthier than their parents. In order to maintain better health than their parents, two-thirds (67 percent) maintain a healthier diet, 65 percent exercise more regularly, 60 percent get annual check-ups and 45 percent say they manage their stress better.
  
  
• On top of it – On average, baby boomers exercise 2.76 times a week.
  
  
• Excuses, excuses – The three most frequent reasons for skipping exercise were 1) lack of enjoyment, 2) painful joints or other health issues and 3) lack of time.
  
  
• Technology Wiz – When exercising, 13 percent of baby boomers use an MP3/iPod, 13 percent use a pedometer, eight percent use a portable CD player, seven percent use a radio with headphones, six percent use a heart rate monitor, three percent use a stopwatch and one percent use a hearing aid.
  
  
• Wait, what? – Seven out of 10 (69 percent) baby boomers have some level of concern of hearing loss and one-third (33.3 percent) think they might have some hearing loss. However only half of them (46 percent) have ever had their hearing checked and only 15 percent have their hearing checked once a year.
  

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