Welltok Acquires Zamzee to Optimize the Health of Children and Their Families
Zamzee's Evidence-Based Program Increases Kids' Physical Activity by 59% and Engages Parents
Zamzee's Evidence-Based Program Increases Kids' Physical Activity by 59% and Engages Parents
DENVER, Oct. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Welltok, Inc. today announced the acquisition of Zamzee, an award-winning health program developed by HopeLab, to add more solutions for children to its CafeWell Health Optimization Platform™ and further engage millions of children and their families in healthy activities.
"Zamzee will be an essential component of CafeWell since it gets the whole family involved in their health," said Jeff Margolis, chairman and chief executive officer for Welltok. "Health optimization is achievable at every age, and engaging in healthy behaviors in adolescence is proven to have great impact on bending the curve over the long term and creating healthier, happier populations."
Zamzee was developed by the philanthropic R&D organization HopeLab to boost physical activity in kids and families. While many blame technology for a rise in sedentary behavior, HopeLab leveraged the power and appeal of digital products to engage and motivate kids to be more active.
The Zamzee program uses gamification, rewards and behavior-change science to get kids moving more. It kick-starts a lifetime of activity for kids through play, engaging them with customizable avatars, an activity tracker and challenges. Zamzee has an impressive track record of success, increasing physical activity in kids by nearly 60 percent. It has also demonstrated that motivating kids to improve health behaviors can have a positive impact on the entire family. Parents often join in and are motivated to change health behaviors as well.
"CafeWell is the perfect home for Zamzee," said Margaret Laws, chief executive officer and president for HopeLab. "We created an effective, evidence-based product that uses technology to motivate healthy behaviors among kids and families. We're excited to see the impact of that work extended further as part of an integrated health program for both kids and adults."
Zamzee is a natural fit with CafeWell as health plans, large employers and government organizations, such as Medicaid, are recognizing the importance of a multi-generational and family approach to optimizing health. Extending support beyond the primary beneficiary to include dependents provides both business and socioeconomic benefits. The average total health expense for children treated for obesity under private insurance is more than three times the average health costs of all children.
Watch this video to learn more about Zamzee.
About Welltok, Inc.
Welltok, Inc. is fundamentally transforming the way population health managers partner with consumers to optimize their health and get rewarded. Its groundbreaking CafeWell Health Optimization Platform™ organizes the growing spectrum of health and condition management programs, apps and digital tracking devices. The platform, accessible via web and mobile, drives engagement by providing personalized guidance and leveraging social, gaming and cognitive technologies. Welltok's novel approach increases revenue, improves operational efficiency and drives healthcare value. Follow Welltok on Twitter @Welltok
About HopeLab
Founded in 2001 by Pam Omidyar, HopeLab creates technology products to help people thrive. We focus on motivating positive health behavior in kids and young adults to support health and well-being. Our approach combines behavioral science, user-centered design, and strategic partnerships to drive broad impact. HopeLab is a 501(c)3 nonprofit operating foundation and serves as the health-focused R&D organization of The Omidyar Group, which represents the interests of Pam and Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay. Learn more at www.hopelab.org.
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SOURCE Welltok, Inc.
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