BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Feb. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global health
service company Cigna (NYSE:CI) today became the first company to
use Microsoft HoloLens technology for health screenings in the form
of BioBall,* a new, fast-paced, fun interactive game that helps
players learn their blood pressure and body mass index (BMI).
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8033651-cigna-bioball-health-screenings-game/
"The evolution of personal health and technology is something
that has tremendous impact on everyone. We're the first to
harness the new HoloLens technology for health screenings, and we
believe BioBall can revolutionize how people view the process,"
said Stephen Cassell, Cigna's chief
brand officer.
Cigna sees BioBall as an innovative way to encourage people to
Go.Know.Take Control. of their health. "Research shows that
four health numbers – blood pressure, BMI, blood sugar and
cholesterol – are responsible for the majority of preventable
chronic disease and health care costs.** Knowing this, Cigna's goal
is to help people learn their four health numbers, and we're doing
all we can to make this process easy, quick and painless," Cassell
explained. "We want people to know about their health risks,
and we believe BioBall and its interactivity get people excited
about learning their numbers," Cassell said.
BioBall will be available at Cigna-sponsored public events
throughout the country. A portable, pop-up version of BioBall also
is rolling out for use at Cigna's client locations for those
employers who request BioBall for their onsite clinics or other
employee events.
How it works: Participants receive assistance from a
trained BioBall expert, starting with the registration process
where their blood pressure is taken and players get tips on how to
use the game. The players hold a light bowling-size ball in a
one-minute race to capture all the images that flash on a screen
before them. The BioBall senses a player's pulse, which determines
the ball's movement, and uses responsive lighting to connect the
game experience with the player's heartbeat. Once players
finish the game, they immediately receive their health numbers
privately on their headsets. An email with health suggestions is
sent immediately to the email address that players provide when
they register.
Microsoft HoloLens is the world's first self-contained
holographic computer. HoloLens runs Windows 10 and is completely
untethered – meaning no wires, phones, or connection to a PC
needed. HoloLens immerses the user into a mixed reality world,
merging the physical and virtual worlds to produce new environments
and visualizations where physical and holographic objects co-exist
and interact in real time.
*The term BioBall and trademark are being patented and
registered to Cigna. Cigna continuously tests and calibrates the
technology through extended use and gameplay, and has health care
professionals on site to ensure measurements are accurate.
**Annual out-of-pocket health care savings comparing
200,000 study participants over three years whose four health
numbers — BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar — were
within a healthy range versus those study participants who did not
know their four health numbers. Source: Cigna Affordability Study,
2014
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global
health service company dedicated to helping people improve their
health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services
are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of
Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance
Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance
Company of North America and Cigna
Life Insurance Company of New
York. Such products and services include an integrated suite
of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health,
pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products
including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna
maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and
has more than 90 million customer relationships throughout the
world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on
Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Gloria
Barone
215.761.4758
gloria.barone@cigna.com
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SOURCE Cigna