PRESS ROOM

Lake Success, N.Y. (September 16, 2009) – Polar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technologies, today announced the national launch of its wrist-based training computers and web services platform to the insurance and corporate wellness industries.

To combat rising health care costs, employers are continuing to seek ways to improve the health of their employees through corporate wellness programs that deliver results. Now Polar training computers will allow employee participants to measure the effects of their exercise via heart rate data and track their improving levels of fitness through a Polar-developed web portal. Participants can view their exercise results in their own personal diary, download training programs, set goals, challenge friends and co-workers and analyze their progress over time.

“We are all well aware of the impassioned discussions taking place across our nation regarding the escalating costs of healthcare. But what’s missing from much of the discussion is the importance of ‘health’ in the healthcare debate,” said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. “Today we are pleased to announce the launch of our new product offering to the insurance and corporate wellness industries that provides these important groups with the essential tools that they have never had to make significant, lasting and immediate strides in improving the health of all Americans.”

A World Health Organization (WHO) study cited in The Personal Health Investment Act of 2009 found that in the United States, a one dollar investment in physical activity would reduce medical expenses by $3.20. Additionally, the IBM Healthcare 2015 report indicates approximately 80% of coronary heart disease, up to 90% of type 2 diabetes, and more than half of cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as proper diet and exercise. “The evidence is clear and supports our 30-plus years of experience in the field, that exercise is a critical means to a longer, more productive and healthier life,” noted Padovan.

About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Since then, Polar has been pioneering a revolution in training and leading the heart rate monitoring category with innovative products and solutions that deliver valuable feedback and guidance to help individuals reach their personal goals by improving their well-being and sports performance through a profound understanding of the human body. Today Polar training computers and heart rate monitors are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. Polar products and technologies are also used by leasing fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities and thousands of physical education programs around the country. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com .