HoMedics HealthStation Body Composition Scanner

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the HoMedics HealthStation Body Composition Scanner. This product is built with high-quality craftsmanship to provide years of dependable service. We hope you will find it to be the finest product of its kind.

First Time Setup

1. This scale operates on 4-AAA batteries (included). Open the battery cover and install the batteries according to the polarity as shown inside the battery compartment.
2. Some models have a static cling label on the lens to prevent scratching. Remove before use.
3. Set the "LB/KG/ST" unit of measure switch located on the back of the scale for pounds, kilograms or stones. NOTE: The switch is pre-set to pounds.
4. The scale needs to be initialized before first use or after battery installation. Step lightly on the scale platform disregarding the reading and step off. Wait for the scale to automatically turn off. The scale is now ready for use. NOTE: The scale may need to be initialized if it is moved or bumped.
5. Decide which memory location you would like (1-12).
6. Press the ON/OFF BUTTON.
7. Set Memory: Press the ▼/▲ BUTTON to select your desired memory location (1-12). After you choose, press the SET BUTTON.
8. Set Height: Press the ▼/▲ BUTTON to find your height. When your HEIGHT is correct, press the SET BUTTON.
9. Set Age: Press the ▼/▲ BUTTON to find your age. When your AGE is correct, press the SET BUTTON.
10. Set Gender: Press the ▼/▲ BUTTON to select male or female. When GENDER is correct, press the SET BUTTON.
11. Set Normal or Athlete: Press the ▼/▲ BUTTON to select your activity level. After you choose, press the SET BUTTON. NOTE: See definition of an Athlete on page 7.
12. The Memory Number will flash 6 times to confirm your information has been entered in your memory location. The display will show "00" and then shut off. Your data is saved into memory. Remember your memory location (1-12). You will need it each time you measure your body composition.
13. Repeat steps 1-6 to set other pre-programmed memory locations.

To Measure Weight and Body Composition

1. Place the scale on a flat, hard surface. Carpeted or uneven floors may affect accuracy.
2. You must be bare foot to take this reading. NOTE: You must wait several hours before taking a reading when drinking coffee or alcohol, taking diuretic medications or exercising. These affect your level of hydration and the accuracy of this scanner.

Recall Personal Data from Memory

1. Press the ON/OFF BUTTON to turn the scale on. The memory digit will flash.
2. Press the ▼/▲ BUTTON to choose your MEMORY LOCATION.
3. Your previous data will appear on the screen and then show "00" weight.
4. When "00" weight shows on the screen, step on the scale, positioning your feet evenly on the scale platform. Stand still while the scale measures your weight, body fat %, body water%, muscle mass %, bone mass % and daily calories.
5. Your readings and Body Fat Health Status are shown. See reference charts on page 7.

Weight Only Reading

1. Place the scale on a flat, hard surface. Carpeted or uneven floors may affect accuracy.
2. Step on the scale positioning your feet evenly on the scale platform. The display will show "HI". Stand still while the scale measures your weight. When your weight stabilizes, the display will flash, and then show your weight. The weight reading will show for a few seconds, return to "0.0", and turn off to conserve the battery.

Why Should I Monitor My Body Composition?

Typically, total body weight is used to determine if a person is at a healthy weight. A change in weight alone does not tell you whether you have a gain/loss of muscle or fat. In weight management, you want to maintain muscle mass while body fat is lost.

How Does This HealthStation Work?

This unit uses BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) to measure Body Fat, Body Water, Muscle Mass, Bone Mass and Daily Calories. BIA sends a low intensity signal through the body. The signal is very low and causes no bodily harm. The signal flows with a different degree of difficulty depending upon the individual's body fat level. This difficulty is called electrical impedance.

Who Can Use This HealthStation?

This HealthStation is designed for individuals aged 6 - 100 years of age.

WARNINGS: DO NOT use this product if you have a pacemaker or other internal medical device. This product is not intended for use by children under 6 years of age or pregnant women. The measurements provided are not substitutes for physician assessments of bone mineral density or osteoporosis. Always consult your physician to determine what is right for you.

When Should I Use This HealthStation?

For maximum accuracy and repeatability, it is recommended that the unit's functions be used at approximately the same time of day under the same conditions, such as first thing in the morning before you step in the shower. It is also a good practice to avoid swings in the body's hydration level prior to taking the measurement. By establishing the pattern of your body's fluctuation over a period of one month, you can determine your average level of body fat, body water, muscle mass, bone mass and daily calories. Women will have more fluctuation in water content than men and need to monitor their reading over a longer time period to establish a personal average. You must determine this as a reference point before measuring progress in a health program.

You must wait several hours before taking a reading when: drinking coffee or alcohol, taking diuretic medications or exercising. These affect your level of hydration and the accuracy of this scanner.

This instrument is a personal monitor and should be used in a consistent manner for the most accurate reading. While readings may vary between this scanner and other methods of measurement (hydro-densitometry or hand held calipers), your changes in body fat, body water, muscle mass, bone mass and daily calories shown by this instrument will be reflected accurately.

What Is Body Fat?

Every body carries two types of body fat: essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat is needed for normal, everyday physiological functions within the human body. Storage fat is found just below the skin's surface. Though some storage fat is necessary for normal body functions, excessive amounts can be detrimental to your health and overall quality of life.

NOTE: Ideal body fat content is not the same for all people. Age, sex and heredity are variables in this measurement. Always consult your physician to determine what is most ideal for you.

Your goal in weight loss should be to increase lean muscle mass and to decrease body fat for a higher burning metabolism and improved body tone.

What Is Body Water?

Monitoring the level of body water can be a useful tool for one's health maintenance. Water is an essential component of the body and is one of the body's overall health indicators. Water makes up approximately 50-70% of the body's weight and is present proportionally more in lean tissue as compared to fat tissue.

For example:

• 73% of lean muscle tissue is water
• 80% of blood is water
• 25% of fat is water
• 22% of bone tissue is water

Additionally, water is also a medium for biochemical reactions that regulate body functions.

The estimated Body Water % may vary according to your hydration level. For better accuracy, avoid fluctuations in hydration level prior to taking a measurement. The accuracy of the unit in estimating Body Water % will also decrease with individuals suffering from diseases or illnesses that tend to accumulate water in the body. Please remember that the unit represents only a good approximation of your total body water.

What Is Muscle Mass?

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), lean muscle mass may decrease by nearly 50 percent between the ages of 20 and 90. If you don't do anything to replace that loss, you're losing muscle and increasing fat. It is also important to know your muscle mass during weight reduction. At rest, the body burns approximately 50 additional calories for each pound of muscle gained. Some advantages of gaining muscle mass include:

• Reversing the decline in strength, bone mineral and muscle mass that accompanies age
• Maintenance of flexible joints
• Guide weight reduction when combined with a healthy diet

This body composition scanner tells you the percent of skeletal muscle in your body.

What Is Bone Mass?

Your bones contain blood vessels, nerve cells and living bone cells. These are all held together by a framework of hard, non-living material containing calcium and phosphorous. This body composition scanner estimates the percentage of the non-living bone mineral content. This is important information for monitoring and maintaining healthy bones through exercise and a calcium-rich diet.

WARNINGS: The measurements provided are not substitutes for physician assessments of bone mineral density or osteoporosis. Always consult your physician to determine what is right for you.

What Is Calorie Predictor™™?

Daily calories are an estimate of the number of calories you consume based on your current activity level and user-entered personal data. This can be used as a guide during weight loss and weight management.

What Is The Definition Of An Athlete?

An athlete is considered a person who does 12 hours or more per week of aerobic activity and has a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute. These individuals should select Athlete Mode for the most accurate results. The Athlete Mode is available only for those 15-50 years of age.

NOTE: Reference charts are based on sampling and should be used as a guide. Consult your physician to determine what is right for you.

Battery Replacement

1. Use 4 "AAA" alkaline batteries only.
2. Open the battery cover on the back of the scale pushing the tab in the direction of the "open" arrow and lift up.
3. When installing batteries, observe proper +/- polarities as marked inside the battery compartment. Incorrect battery installation may cause damage to the unit.
4. Do not mix different types of batteries together (e.g. alkaline with carbon-zinc or old batteries with new).
5. Close the battery cover. Be sure it clicks shut.

Low Battery: This scale is equipped with a low battery indicator. Replace the batteries when "Lo" is displayed or readings grow dim or become irregular.

Trouble Shooting

In case of difficulty:

1. Move your scale to a location where it will not be bumped. If your scale is bumped while being activated or while in use, an inaccurate reading may occur. Initialize the scale as described in FIRST TIME SETUP #4.
2. Make sure the batteries are properly installed.

Note: Special Displays

• Err: Weight Mode: Unstable weight, begin again
• Err: Body Fat Mode: Contact error. Impedance cannot be measured. Moisten feet with a damp cloth and repeat measurement.
• 0 Ld: Weight overload; remove weight immediately
• Lo: Low battery; replace batteries

Precautions

1. Clean exposed parts with a soft, slightly damp cloth. To remove stains, use a mild soap. Never use detergents, excess water, treated cloths, harsh cleaning agents, or sprays.
2. Do not immerse the scale in water.
3. Do not attempt to lubricate or open the scale casing as this will void your warranty.
4. Treat your scale with care. It contains sensitive electronic parts. Avoid rough treatment. Do not jump on, drop or kick the scale. Treat it with care to ensure the best performance.
5. This scale is designed for weighing between 25 - 400 pounds, 12 - 180 kilograms and 1 stone-11 pounds - 28 stones-8 pounds in graduations of 0.2 pounds, and 0.1 kilograms. To prevent damage, do not place more than 400 pounds, 180 kilograms or 28 stones-8 pounds on it.
6. Do not store the scale where you store cleaning chemicals. The vapors from some household products may affect the electronic components of your scale. Do not store the scale resting on its side.
7. This scale is an extremely sensitive weighing device. In order to prevent run down of the battery, do not store anything on the scale.
8. This scale is designed for personal use only, not for professional, commercial or industrial use.
9. Remove the battery if the scale will not be used for a long period of time.

Specifications

• Calculates body composition based on weight and user-entered data
• Weight Capacity: 400 pounds, 180 kilograms, or 28 stones - 8 pounds
• Weight Graduation: 0.2 pounds, and 0.1 kilograms
• Height Range: 2'8" - 7'3" or 80 - 220 cm
• Body Fat: 3-50% in graduations of 0.1%
• Body Water: 25-75% in graduations of 0.1%
• Muscle Mass: 25-75% in graduations of 0.1%
• Bone Mass: 1-10% in graduations of 0.1%
• Calories: in graduation of 1
• Age Range: 6-100 years
• Selectable Units of Measure: (lb/feet), (kg/cm) or (st/feet)
• Twelve user memories (1-12)