Baptist Health's BOD POD Express Offers Fast, Safe, Accurate Analysis of Body Mass Composition

Jacksonville, Florida, May 5, 2009 -- With its white ovular surface and curved window, the BOD POD Express in the Executive Health Suite at Baptist Downtown looks like a futuristic spaceship but is actually a highly accurate tool for measuring a person's body composition to determine the percentage of fat and non-fat mass.

The patient simply sits on a bench within the BOD POD, the door is closed, and in less than 5 minutes, the process is completed.

The device, produced by Life Measurement, Inc., uses air displacement as a measurement tool and is similar to the practice of weighing people hydrostatically, or underwater. The BOD POD is much more accurate than using a traditional body mass index chart, which for example, would inaccurately indicate that a professional athlete is obese.

"Measuring with air displacement is highly accurate, convenient, safe, comfortable and quick," said Wayne Beck, manager of Executive Health for Baptist Health.

The device also measures resting metabolic rate, which is used to determine the amount of caloric intake required to either lose or gain weight.

The BOD POD is suitable for all populations, including children, the elderly, the obese and those with disabilities. The egg-shaped device's roomy interior accommodates people up to 7 feet tall and 550 pounds.

The BOD POD is offered as part of the services of Baptist Health's Executive Health Program, which offers a personalized health care experience designed for employers who want to help key executives maintain peak performance, as well as individuals whose professional obligations may make it difficult to find the time for thorough health evaluations.

To celebrate the opening of Baptist's new Executive Health Program, and for a limited time, the first 25 individuals who make an appointment for the BOD POD can receive the analysis for $65 (one-time use); following this special celebration offer, the BOD POD is available to Executive Health clients only. Appointments can be made by calling 202.3932.