Better health is easier to achieve through science-based apps and programs
DALLAS, August 27, 2020 — Research shows that adults with healthy behaviors are at 78% lower risk for all-cause mortality and 88% lower risk for cardiovascular disease mortality. To help people make more meaningful behavior change, the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, has adapted CarePlans into several new apps or wearable devices, including into the new Amazon Halo, a service that leverages new technology innovations to help users improve their individual health and wellness.
American Heart Association CarePlans focus on the seven risk factors that people can improve through lifestyle or behavioral changes to help achieve ideal cardiovascular health. These risk factors, known as Life’s Simple 7®, have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference. American Heart Association and Amazon worked together to incorporate CarePlans into Amazon Halo, which consists of challenges that address Life’s Simple 7® risk factors.
For example, as part of the Amazon Halo content, the Association’s physical activity guidelines are used to provide a new approach to monitoring activity level. Intensity of activity is important for health, but even light intensity activity can have positive benefits, so the Amazon Halo activity score accounts for intensity and duration of movement, with users earning some points for walking but more for running. This science-backed approach gives users a more comprehensive understanding of their physical activity beyond just step count.
“The first step in improving health is knowing your current status and understanding ways to make changes,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association. “The Association is committed to helping people live longer, healthier lives, both physically and mentally. Features like activity level, sleep quality, body composition and tone of voice analysis are important advances in helping people make changes to improve their health.”
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American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Tracie Bertaut, 504-722-1695, Tracie.Bertaut@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721)