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Media-X and InnerLink Partnership

Handheld enabled BMI Measurement tools and tobacco prevention learning materials provide new easy-to-use options for K-12 staff

(June 27, 2005) Media-X Systems and InnerLink, Inc. today announced a new strategic partnership that will bring a variety of health, safety and emergency preparedness options to K-12 schools in the US and Canada. The announcement was made at the start of the NECC 2005 conference in Philadelphia, PA, the largest technology conference for K-12 educators in North America.

By combining InnerLink's expertise in health and safety issues and Media-X's handheld enabled suite of products (mxweb) the two companies are demonstrating to NECC attendees a variety of applications including a BMI (Body Mass Index) measurement system and a tobacco prevention and cessation learning curriculum.

The BMI system uses Media-X's popular eWalk software on Palm and PocketPC handhelds to collect basic information about student populations in order to assess the BMI of individual students, as well as the aggregated data on the entire site or district.

InnerLink provides the analysis of the data, including correlation of the data to CDC BMI charts by age, gender and ethnicity.

"Using handheld technology to do basic health screening, including the collection of BMI data, helps schools to easily collect information and correlate the data correctly," said Dr. Rob Gillio, Chief Medical Officer of InnerLink. "It will not only assist in identification of students at risk, but also allow schools to monitor the overall severity of obesity and eating disorders within their school."

In addition to the BMI screening and data analysis, Media-X is working with InnerLink to bring Project Breathe to handhelds for students and staff. This hands-on learning curriculum for tobacco prevention and cessation and respiratory health is standards-based, supplemental curriculum that be taught in K-12 classrooms or as an after-school or community program.

Learning objectives and outcomes include understanding the implications and impact of tobacco use on lungs and heart; recognition and use of the scientific method and technological process to solve problems; evaluation of the factors that impact body systems and development of protective and preventive strategies.

"The handheld environment is a perfect supplement to Project Breathe," said Steve Moretti, President/CEO of Media-X Systems. "The multimedia environment of modern handhelds provides personalized delivery of text, photo, videos and sound. Combine that with interactive data collection and web-based analysis, and you have a very powerful tool for both teachers and students."

Media-X and InnerLink are demonstrating both the BMI and Project Breathe material at the conference from July 28-30. Live demos at the Media-X booth (429) are being held during show hours.

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