Unified Computer Intelligence (UCI) has revealed in a recent announcement that it has launched a new tool which can 'teach' Alexa -- the voice-...
A program has been introduced by Vitality, a provider of disease-prevention and lifestyle programs, to persuade employees of various companies to exercise. The organization has been testing the program in South Africa since December. The program offers an opportunity to US employees of three companies. The program involved rewarding the employees with either an Apple watch at significantly lower price or cash for meeting exercise goals for two years.
The program would employ a fitness device that would track steps, heart rate and more of a certain employees’ health. Some workers may buy an Apple Watch, originally priced at $350, for just $25. In some cases, cash can be earned in the form of insurance discounts.
“We all live busy lives, but the truth is, if doctors could write one prescription for the world, it would be activity, the beauty of this program is members are going to get healthier,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.
Such programs have ability to bring changes in the health-care marketplace. One such initiative has been taken by Oscar, which sells health insurance directly to consumers. The company is offering free Misfit trackers for opportunities to earn up to $100 a year in Amazon gift cards.
Fitbit is another such firm engaged in a similar endeavor. It works with employers, such as Indiana University Health and Emory University in Atlanta. The firm subsidizes fitness trackers for their staff and employees who exercise.
Although there are no evidences available whether fitness trackers directly lower health-care costs, there are enough evidences that exercise leads to better health. Regular exercise can improve productivity and reduce leaves among employees at their workplaces.
