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