This week I was on the hunt for three very different people to ask them to test our new BPM. As you’ll see, they didn’t always have the same opinion and their impressions were quite surprising! Here are some snippets of the conversation.
So let’s firstly do a little tour of the table: Simon is 34, he’s an architect and has just become a first-time father! Dominique is 62 year-old and she’s enjoying a relaxing retirement in Reims. Finally Pierre is a 27 year-old trader who works and parties hard.
Bastien: Had you heard of Withings before meeting us?
Dominique: A friend had told me about the Body Scale, but I hadn’t seen it before. To be honest, when she was telling me about it, I didn’t really understand what it was all about.
Simon: This is the first time I’ve heard of it… If I’ve understood correctly, Withings has designed a set of weighing scales and a high-tech blood pressure monitor, right? I’ve also seen that they’re going to be bringing out something soon for babies. I’d be really interested in that!
Pierre: I’d never heard of it either. I work a lot and so I don’t have time to read magazines. I’m not really interested in technology either, so you’re going to have to convince me.
Bastien: Would you say you take care of your health?
D: Oh yes! What with my age, I try to take good care of my health. I’ve got more time for that now. I had a bit too much fun when I was young; there weren’t as many restrictions in those days. So now I try to do a bit of sport and to eat a balanced diet, I only drink a little wine and I’ve stopped smoking. I’ve already had issues with my heart and I get tired and out of breath quite easily now. My doctor says that I should be making more of an effort.
S: Now that I’m a father [Simon’s son is 10 months-old], I keep thinking about whether I’m doing enough for my health. I started thinking about it when I got married. Nowadays, I’m taking it more and more seriously. Lots of friends my age don’t think about it. I understand where they’re coming from; after all I used to be exactly like them. But now I owe it to my wife and son to pay more attention to my health. It’s quite funny really, this new-found appreciation for life. I have to say it’s really changed my life. Little everyday things have changed: a healthier diet, a more forgiving schedule, a different way of dealing with stress, a lot less partying and above all … five fruit and veg a day! [laughs]
P: I try to take as much care of my health as I can, given my crazy schedule. I do sport during the week and at weekends. At work, we have a gym and I really make the most of that. Given the amount of work I do, I owe it to myself to keep in shape. I go out a lot during the week and at the weekend. Lots of my friends joke about it and wonder how I manage it. They can’t keep up with me!
Bastien: At first sight, what did you think about the BPM ?
S: I should say that the device itself is very designer. As an architect, my job is quite similar to that of a designer. I have to say that I have a soft spot for the design of the Body Scale, and the BPM’s not bad either. Anyway, at first glance you definitely wouldn’t think it was a blood pressure monitor! It’s only when you have it in your hand that you realise what it is. That’s kind of a good thing I suppose, isn’t it? And then there’s the flashy green which I love.
D: Oh, I’m not very convinced by the green. But at least I’d be able to find it easily. I’m a little disorganised, my apartment’s a bit of a shambles and given my age, I’m not about to change any time soon. But I’m not sure if I’d be able to get it [the BPM] to work.
S: I think I’m right in thinking that you just have to plug it into your iPhone with the cable. It seems kind of simple. I guess you’d have to get the app so that it works though right?
P: I guess, yes. At any rate, it’s quite an impressive device! I’ve never really measured my blood pressure myself before, so I don’t know if that’s what it’s like normally.
Simon testing the BPM
Bastien: Well, the moment you’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived: would you mind all trying out the BPM and telling us your first impressions please?
D: [After a couple of minutes of trying to get it to work, Dominique realises that she needs her iPhone] Ok, so I’ll plug it in. Great, it’s working! Wait, I need to put my glasses on. Ok, so I press here. Ok. Oh, it’s inflating! Much easier than going to the doctor.
S: [Simon installed the application before] At first, I was a bit confused about whether I should put it on my right or left arm. I’m right-handed, so I put it on my left arm. I don’t know if it makes a difference.
D: Oh, my blood pressure’s quite good I think. And then I can send the results directly to my doctor can I? That’s really good.
P: It’s really easy to use. It’s quick. But to get the best results, I need to know more. Like should I take my blood pressure in the morning or in the evening? Anyway, I understand how to use it for sure. But after that, I don’t know if I would remember to do it regularly.
S: It seems quite simple to use to me too. You just have to plug it in and everything is automatic. I have to admit that the first time you do it it’s quite remarkable when it inflates. I forgot what it’s like, it’s been ages since I last went to the doctor. The application seems very straight-forward as well. You understand how to use it straight away. But I don’t really know what to make of the curves on the graph. I need more time to get my head around the tables, so I’d go to the website to see how it works first.
Verdict: Pierre’s blood pressure’s good!
Bastien: So, what’s the verdict?
S: I think it’s a good idea to have this kind of product at home. For my wife and I. We could even make it into a little competition! [laughs] On a more serious note though, it would definitely be a very good idea to regularly monitor your blood pressure. I suppose it’s a good way to check your health on a daily basis. My wife and I don’t have blood pressure problems, but at the same time, we’re not monitoring it… A baby, work, relationship… that can all get quite stressful. I’m in.
P: I don’t know about me. I don’t think I need to check my blood pressure on a regular basis. We’ve got a doctor at work. So at worst, I can go and see him. On the other hand, the Body Scale is really attractive. I think I’ll get one. My girlfriend too. After all, summer’s coming! [laughs]
D: I think it’s a great product. As I was saying, I have heart problems. My doctor has asked me to take my blood pressure regularly. So why not buy a blood pressure monitor. I’ll ask my grandson, Baptiste, to help me. I’ll mention it to my doctor too. It’s a really interesting product.
And so dear readers, have you had the chance to test the Withings BPM? Has this feedback been useful in understanding more concretely how to use the BPM? Feel free to share your opinions with us in the comments section.
