Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a bioactive material to a subterranean layer of a skin architecture is provided that includes a head including one or more needles that are operable to penetrate a stratum corneum of a skin. A bioactive material is disposed on one or more of the needles, whereby movement of the head operates to pick up the bioactive material and to deliver a portion of the bioactive material to a selected location, the selected location being a dermis, or an epidermis, or both the dermis and the epidermis. In more particular embodiments, the bioactive material is a macromolecule substance that is part of a group of substances, the group consisting of a protein, a vitamin, a gene, a growth agent, a drug, and a peptide. The needles create an injury that triggers collagen production from one or more fibroblasts in the skin.

Abstract: A method for communicating data is provided that includes collecting data associated with an individual using an accelerometer. The accelerometer is operable to monitor activity associated with the individual. The method also includes communicating the data to a computing device, which can receive the data and perform any number of operations.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for quantifying stress is presented. The method includes interacting with an end user through a stress module and processing heart rate variance data collected during a stress test. The heart rate variance data may include a coherence attribute. The method further includes transmitting the heart rate variance data over a network and to a specified location. In more specific embodiments, the method includes delivering a numerical score to the end user. The score signifies a stress level for the end user.

Abstract: A method for rewarding a healthcare individual at a remote location is presented in one example embodiment. The method includes interacting with a participant at a remote location and delivering a music segment in exchange for a successful completion by the participant of a health related activity. The music segment serves as a reward for the participant to complete the activity. The delivery of the music segment can be done via e-mail, a USB port exchange, or through a website. The interacting can be performed through a website, a health station, or a kiosk, for example. In other embodiments, the music segment is delivered to a device to be worn by the end user. The device could be a music player, an accelerator, a phone, a PDA, or a laptop. The music segment can be earned through a point system that relates to the activity performed by the participant.

Abstract: A method for remotely updating a health station is presented in one example embodiment. The method includes establishing one or more communication sessions between one or more health stations and a web server. The method includes receiving, at the one or more health stations, a user interface from the web server. The method includes loading the user interface by a host application stored on the one or more health stations.

Abstract: A method for integrating and managing data is provided that includes interacting with an end user via a music and health component combination device, the device including: a health component that is operable to track data by the user and a music module operable to play music for the user. The device further includes a memory and a processor operable to convert data from the health component into one or more metrics based on data received from the memory. In other embodiments, the device can display a category of music, such as an album or a play list. The device also includes a dimming function that allows certain parameters being displayed by the device to be highlighted, emphasized, or deemphasized.

Abstract: A method for integrating and managing data is provided that includes interacting with an end user via a health and entertainment device, the device including: an accelerometer that is operable to track activity data by the user and a music module operable to play music for the user. The device further includes a memory and a processor operable to convert data from the accelerometer into one or more metrics based on data received from the memory.

Abstract: A method for modifying risk factors by a healthcare individual at a remote location includes interacting with a participant at a remote location to obtain health-related data, such that the interaction occurs during a live video session. The healthcare individual determining an intervention plan to the participant based on the health-related data. The healthcare individual communicating data associated with the intervention plan to the participant during the live video session.

Abstract: A system for managing absenteeism includes an absence manager, employees, and healthcare individuals. Absence manager can capture health-related data associated with employee and reason for employee absence. Healthcare individuals can receive a report associated with the employee that is updated in real time as new data is captured. Healthcare individuals determine an intervention plan for the employee based on the health-related data, reason for absence, and any other relevant data. Healthcare individuals can exchange data with employee related to the intervention plan with the employee.

Abstract: An interactive online community utilizes an activity monitor that is operable to measure data, transmit data, and receive data. One or more servers coupled to a communication network provide access to the World Wide Web (“web”). A web portal located on one or more servers is operable to transmit data to the activity monitor and receive data from the activity monitor. The web portal includes a gaming and communication environment that utilizes the data from the activity monitor. Users engage in physical activity and participate in the gaming and communication environment with other users.

Abstract: A communication system utilizes an activity monitor that is operable to collect data, convert data, display data, and communicate data. Web portal and activity monitor are operable to communicate data between one another. Web portal enables a user to monitor an individual or population's activity data. Activity monitor enables user to toggle through one or more activity modes to be displayed. Activity monitor constantly measures a user's activity. Auxiliary mode enables user to track data that can be unrelated to activity data. Special event mode on activity monitor enables a user or machine to begin and to end a special event, while the activity monitor measures activity data during the special event.

Abstract: A method for communicating data is provided that includes collecting data associated with an individual using an accelerometer. The accelerometer is operable to monitor activity associated with the individual. The method also includes communicating the data to a computing device, which can receive the data and perform any number of operations.

Abstract: A system and method for managing health risks is provided. The system and method comprise identifying one or more relevant economic risk factors from health-related data collected from a person, providing an intervention plan to the person based on the relevant economic risk factors, authenticating an identity collected from a participant at a remote location, exchanging data related to the intervention plan with the person at the remote location, and providing an incentive to the person for complying with the intervention plan.