Omron Healthcare Introduces New Device Drivers Built on Microsoft HealthVault

    BANNOCKBURN, Ill., June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Omron Healthcare, Inc. today
 announced a strategic relationship to support Microsoft HealthVault,
 Microsoft's consumer health platform, enabling two Omron(R) blood pressure
 monitors (HEM-790IT & HEM-670-IT) and a pedometer (HJ-720ITC) to be
 compatible and share information within the platform. HealthVault provides
 users the ability to find, collect, and share important health information
 over time such as home blood pressure monitoring which is recommended by
 the American Heart Association (AHA).
 
     "Omron is devoted to providing accurate and high quality products, and
 we strive to deliver the latest technologies available to help our
 customers lead a healthy lifestyle," said Bob Kondraske, chief operating
 officer, Omron Healthcare. "We are excited to combine our device
 capabilities with HealthVault's offerings to maximize the use of Omron
 products, and to play an active role in health management for consumers."
 
     Omron users have a choice between two downloadable options to connect
 compatible devices to the HealthVault platform -- a 32 and 64-bit device
 driver. Individuals can install their preferred driver to access and manage
 their health information through a free web-based account that enables them
 to collect and store information, as well as share this information with
 family members and physicians.
 
     With approximately 73 million Americans diagnosed with hypertension,
 the ability to chart one's progress at home and keep a physician apprised
 is key to reducing risks such as a heart attack or stroke. In fact,
 according to the American Heart Association, urging people to monitor blood
 pressure at home can be a motivating factor to help them be proactive and
 make changes for the better. With products that are capable of uploading
 information to an online tool like HealthVault, progress of a person's
 health becomes a visual assessment to reinforce a healthy lifestyle.
 
 

     Omron's products available for use with HealthVault include:
 
     --  HEM-790 IT blood pressure monitor allows for detection of conditions
         such as morning hypertension and irregular heartbeat
     --  HEM-670 IT portable wrist blood pressure monitor for those who want a
         second unit for use away from home or who have trouble placing a cuff
         on their arm
     --  HJ-720 ITC pedometer which employs dual acceleration sensor technology
         that measures the number of steps taken, distance walked, calories and
         fat burned and the number of aerobic steps a user takes
 
     "We are pleased to align HealthVault's capabilities with Omron devices
 to ensure consumers have the opportunity to integrate important blood
 pressure and step-count data with other wellness-related information for
 optimal health management," said Bert Van Hoof, director of partner and
 developer program, Microsoft Health Solutions Group.
 
     About Omron Healthcare, Inc.
 
     Omron Healthcare, Inc., located in Bannockburn, IL, is the North and
 South American sales and marketing office of Omron Healthcare Group, a
 leading manufacturer and distributor of blood pressure monitors for home
 use. With more than 70 million monitors sold worldwide to date, Omron
 Healthcare Group was the first to introduce manual and digital blood
 pressure monitors into the home healthcare market. Omron Healthcare offers
 innovative products and medical devices for use in sites ranging from
 hospitals to the home in the blood pressure monitoring, fitness
 diagnostics, thermometry, and respiratory categories. Omron Healthcare
 markets clinically proven products that provide accurate health information
 to consumers and physicians and support positive lifestyle changes and
 health improvement. For more information, visit
 http://www.omronhealthcare.com.
 
     Product and company names herein may be the trademarks of their
 respective owners.
 
 

      Contact:
      Lexie Alcon
      Edelman, for Omron Healthcare, Inc.
      (312) 240-2625
      Lexie.Alcon@edelman.com
 
 

SOURCE Omron Healthcare, Inc.