Telco promotes healthy living through health service
AUTOMATED messaging service was launched to assist subscribers with their health needs.
Smart Communications Inc. launched services that will provide subscribers fast and reliable access to information on weight loss and smoking cessation.
These services are in cooperation with PurpleTeal Inc., a US-based health services provider.
Orlando Vea, Chief Wireless Advisor of Smart said, “Mobile phones are everywhere and they’re very personal. There’s a big opportunity for the use of wireless technologies for helping people improve their health.”
Narayanan Ram, chief executive ofifcer of PurpleTeal said “PurpleTeal is delighted to go live with this groundbreaking service for Smart subscribers. We look forward to helping their subscribers with their health care needs.”
As part of this phase, Smart is rolling out services for the following: lose weight, quit smoke and live well.
Lose weight is for subscribers who want to lose weight. A significant percentage of adults in the 20 to 60 age group are overweight and many are trying to lose weight. To subscribe to this service, subscribers must send “SLIM ON” to 5656.
Lose weight service sends two daily tips that embed the principles of awareness, preparation, action and repetition in order to delink the act of eating from triggers and to form new habits to avoid weight gain for the long term.
Quit smoke for subscribers who want to quit smoking. Subscribers can get daily messages and actionable tips to help them reduce smoking and develop long term smoking avoidance habits, with the objective of eventually quitting completely. It is an ideal service for those who have recently made a resolution to stop smoking. To subscribe to this service, subscribers must send “QUITS ON” to 5656.
Live well for subscribers who want to improve their general health and wellness. With rising healthcare costs and scarce resources, people do not always maintain good health habits such as exercising regularly, watching their diet, or going for recommended checkups. To subscribe to this service, subscribers must send “LIVE ON” to 5656.
All three services cost just P1 per text.
In June last year, Smart launched its flagship mHealth program called Secured Health Information Network and Exchange, a web and mobile based system for health facilities and practitioners that allows for electronic medical records, inter-facility referrals, text message reminders and report generation. The current consumer-based offerings with Purple Teal are in line with promoting mHealth and building the ecosystem.
