Harris HealthTrends, Inc., Joins Forces with Axia Health Management
2/9/2006
Integrating behavioral change with health and fitness strategies positions Axia as a leader in prevention.For additional information: Genstar CapitalChris Tofalli(914) 834-4334ctofalli@gencap.comTEMPE, Arizona — February 9, 2006 – Axia Health Management, a national leader in preventive health care, has announced a strategic combination with Harris HealthTrends Incorporated, a Toledo, Ohio-based company renowned for its ability to manage health care costs through effective behavior change, lifestyle management, disease management, fitness, rehabilitation and the collection and analysis of health data.In 1987, Harris HealthTrends developed a groundbreaking approach to lifestyle behavior change by pairing participants with a personal Health Advisor to create a customized health improvement program and guide them through lifestyle change. Health Advisors are trained to coach and motivate the participant with one-on-one guidance for lifestyle modification, goal setting and achievement.“John Harris is a recognized leader and innovator in creating initiatives that improve health, prevent or control disease, and reduce the risk of injury,” said Ben Lytle, Chairman and CEO of Axia. “These capabilities represent a major aspect of Axia’s overall strategy for supporting both health plans and employers in improving the health of their populations.”A growing number of organizations recognize the importance of individualized coaching because of its proven effectiveness and its ability to serve as a platform for other prevention, disease management and individualized support programs. Axia will integrate Harris HealthTrends’ suite of services throughout many of its existing preventive health and fitness offerings.“Becoming part of the Axia vision was especially appealing because it allows us to expand our support to large populations including older adults and health plan members,” said John Harris, co-owner and Principal of Harris HealthTrends. “The combination will allow us to fulfill our mutual goal of creating the first fully integrated health management system more quickly.”Harris HealthTrends will remain based in Toledo, Ohio, under the leadership of John and Diane Harris and will work with Axia’s headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. John Harris will join the Axia board of directors.About Axia Health ManagementAxia Health Management is a leading national provider of preventive health programs which help individuals make lifestyle changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of disability and disease. Axia uses a multi-faceted approach to engage individuals into programs using a national field staff of behavior change professionals, community-based venues, telephone outreach and Web-based tools. Axia’s suite of integrated programs support health improvement activities such as physical activity, weight management, complementary and alternative medicine and smoking cessation, all while providing meaningful and measurable reductions in health care costs. To learn more about Axia’s suite of programs, visit axiahealth.com.About Harris HealthTrends IncorporatedHarris HealthTrends Incorporated is a leading national provider of personalized health management services. Harris HealthTrends works with participants to help them improve their health and reduce their health risks by making healthy lifestyle changes. Successful health improvement reduces health care costs and absenteeism, while improving individual health and productivity. In addition to personalized health management services, Harris HealthTrends provides consulting services, program/data integration and onsite fitness/rehabilitation center management services for clients nationwide. ###