New Wearables Ecosystem Introduced
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
Philips’ new devices connect to HealthSuite Health App and cloud-based analytics to improve health.
An Accenture survey found consumer use of health apps and wearables has doubled over the past two years as people seek to take control of their own health and wellness. The study found mobile health app use increased from 16 percent in 2014 to 33 percent in 2016, while wearables use rose from 9 to 21 percent.
The Accenture study polled 8,000 consumers across seven countries. Of the 20 percent asked by a doctor to use wearables to track their health, three-quarters (76 percent) followed their physician’s recommendation. The majority of consumers (77 percent) and doctors (85 percent) said using wearables helps a patient engage in their health.
Realizing this, Royal Philips announced it is launching the first in a series of personal health programs to “empower consumers to take greater control of their health.” The offerings include a health watch, connected scale, blood pressure monitor, and thermometer, along with a fully integrated companion HealthSuite Health App to measure, monitor, and motivate sustainable behavior.
The new offerings are a response to the growing number of Americans who battle chronic diseases. Statistics show more than 66 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from at least one chronic disease, and as much as 90 percent of chronic conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes. These new products are designed to modify behaviors in those most at risk of chronic disease to forestall their onset.
“Driving meaningful innovation to help improve people’s health and wellbeing is part of our DNA at Philips,” said Jorgen Behrens, Business Leader, Personal Health Solutions, Philips. “We have a 100-year heritage in providing healthcare solutions, from oral health to cardiac care. We’re the only company with such extensive healthcare and consumer lifestyle expertise. We combine deep clinical know-how and rich data, consumer insights and advanced technology to craft solutions which help individuals along the whole of their health journey. Our personal health programs have been developed in conjunction with leading doctors, psychologists and other experts. They will allow individuals to accurately measure vital signs to understand how lifestyle choices affect their body; set goals and monitor their progress, and stay motivated.”
The Philips personal health programs empower individuals to measure, monitor, and stay in control of their health by tracking progress towards their personal health goals, allowing them to stay motivated.
“Our personal health programs are different because they’re built to motivate the user, showing that small steps can lead to big results,” said Dr. Mark Aloia, Behavior Change Expert, Philips. “Changes don’t need to be radical. In fact, small changes sustained over time are a good way to help us reach our health goals. Measuring and tracking helps us take the small steps needed to improve our lifestyle. Our programs support you personally as you take those steps.”