Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About P.A.R.S.

Click a question to be shown the answer.
  1. How old does one have to be to use P.A.R.S.?
  2. How do I get the P.A.R.S. software?
  3. What are the computer requirements to support the P.A.R.S. software?
  4. Can I use the P.A.R.S. software if I am not connected to the internet?
  5. Who is Polar?
  6. Is the Polar FA20 Activity Monitor wristwatch safe to use?
  7. What devices should not be used with the X10's?
  8. How long should P.A.R.S. be used?
  9. With NewWayFitness in mind, does that mean that people who "exercise" are not doing it correctly?
  10. How does P.A.R.S. control the flow of electricity to the TV's and video consoles?
  11. What if I want to control the flow of electricity for reasons other than physical activity, such as completion of homework?
  12. Can P.A.R.S. be used outside the United States?
  13. What will I be charged monthly?
  14. Do I have to commit to P.A.R.S. for a certain amount of time?
  15. Do I need a credit card to use P.A.R.S.?
  16. How do I cancel the P.A.R.S. Membership?
  17. Are there any fees for canceling?
  18. I'm having difficulty installing the P.A.R.S. software, what might be wrong?
1. How old does one have to be to use P.A.R.S.?
hockeyIt depends on the child. Certainly, by kindergarten age many children will be able to use P.A.R.S. effectively. However, the NewWayFitness approach should begin much sooner. Initial crawling, walking, and other movement efforts should be accompanied by positive reinforcement. Supervised climbing and other movement activity should be encouraged along with enthusiastic reinforcement.
Return to Top

2. How do I get the P.A.R.S. software?
The P.A.R.S. software can be downloaded immediately after subscribing to the P.A.R.S. Community Support Membership.
Return to Top

3. What are the computer requirements to support the P.A.R.S. software?
P.A.R.S. software runs on Windows XP and Vista computers. The computer must have internet access (broadband preferred), 64MB of free memory and 35MB of free disk space.

To control electrical outlets via X10, an open USB port is required. To download P.A.R.S. points from the Polar FA20 Activity Watch, a Polar FlowLink is required.
Return to Top

4. Can I use the P.A.R.S. software if I am not connected to the internet?
No, you must be connected to the internet (preferably with a broadband/high speed connection) to use our software.
Return to Top

5. Who is Polar?
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Since its founding over thirty years ago, Polar has continued to be a pioneering innovator in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology.

Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. Polar is also a founding member of the EnergyNow! Alliance (www.energynow.com), a results based physical education and nutrition program designed to work with the education community to reverse the growing childhood obesity trend in America. For more information on Polar products, technologies and programs please visit www.polarusa.com.
Return to Top

6. Is the Polar Activity Watch safe to use?
Yes. It is as safe as any wristwatch. Just place it on the wrist. You don't even need to press any buttons for it to work with P.A.R.S.
Return to Top

7. What devices should not be used with the X10's?
Most TV's and video consoles will work with the X10 System. The X10 System should not be used with projection devices containing a bulb or a fan to cool the bulb or projection TVs and multimedia projectors. Interrupting the power to these devices may burn out the projector bulb.

Also discouraged are devices containing a hard disk: computers, digital video recorders, certain video game consoles.

If in question, check the manufacturer instructions. It is always best to turn off any device before P.A.R.S. forcibly interrupts the power.
Return to Top

8. How long should P.A.R.S. be used?
P.A.R.S. should be used until an ongoing physical activity habit can be developed. The ultimate goal is to take P.A.R.S. away and still maintain the physical activity habit. The NewWayFitness approach should last forever.
Return to Top

9. With NewWayFitness in mind, does that mean that people who "exercise" are not doing it correctly?
Not necessarily. Many people enjoy the discipline of exercise. The challenge is to be active consistently and do it throughout your life.
Return to Top

10. How does P.A.R.S. control the flow of electricity to the TV's and video consoles?
The P.A.R.S. software communicates with various X10 components. Signals are sent through the house electrical wiring.
Return to Top

11. What if I want to control the flow of electricity for reasons other than physical activity, such as completion of homework?
You must have purchased the appropriate X10 electric control devices and installed them correctly. The P.A.R.S. software allows you to remove points and also give "Free" points, then when points are available for a child, the child can use them to turn on an entertainment device that is controlled by X10.
Return to Top

12. Can P.A.R.S. be used outside the United States?
Yes, as long as you have the Polar and/or X10 hardware with appropriate converters.
Return to Top
 

13. What will I be charged monthly?
The first 30 days of the P.A.R.S. Membership are free. After that, the regular monthly fee will be charged to your credit card.
Return to Top

14. Do I have to commit to P.A.R.S. for a certain amount of time?
No. The first 30 days of the P.A.R.S. Membership are free. Cancel any time within the free 30 day trial period to avoid subscription charges. Subscriptions auto-renew at $14.95 every 30 days until canceled.
Return to Top

15. Do I need a credit card to use P.A.R.S.?
Yes, the P.A.R.S. monthly membership is charged to a credit card.
Return to Top

16. How do I cancel the P.A.R.S. Membership?
You can cancel your P.A.R.S. Membership by emailing Life for Kids.
Return to Top

17. Are there any fees for canceling?
No.
Return to Top

18. I'm having difficulty installing the P.A.R.S. software, what might be wrong?
You must be connected to the internet to successfully install and start P.A.R.S. software. If you are having problems installing P.A.R.S. software, check your internet connection, try disabling your anti-virus software and re-starting the installation.
Return to Top

 

 

P.A.R.S. Video

The Walton Family

18_months_later.pdf
Site by BCS