Behind The Ear -- A New Site To Measure for Fever

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For parents, knowing how to take a child's temperature the correct way and whether environmental factors like sweat or drafts affect the accuracy of results can be a guessing game.  The new Vicks® Behind Ear Thermometer (V980) takes the guesswork out of measuring for fever, restoring confidence to parents and peace of mind.  Using patented technology, the Vicks® Behind Ear Thermometer features rapid 1-second readings and is the first thermometer designed exclusively to measure temperature from behind the ear, a gentler, non-invasive approach to detecting fever than rectal, under-the-tongue, and forehead measurements.  Clinically proven to be accurate based upon professional standards, the Vicks Behind Ear Thermometer is an easy and reliable tool helping parents know when fever is getting better or worse at a glance.  

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111215/NE22936 )

"For most parents, temperature taking can be a daunting task.  Aside from squeamishness around rectal measurements, parents are often concerned about the reliability of thermometers and having to wake a sick child for a reading.  I'm excited that the Vicks Behind Ear Thermometer is now a solution for moms and dads that addresses all these concerns," said Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  "The soft hollow site behind the ear is very close to the carotid artery, which carries blood to the brain.  This spot is easily accessible and ideal for accurate measurements as it is naturally protected from factors like perspiration and drafts that can often cause misreading."

The Vicks Behind Ear Thermometer is a quick, easy and convenient solution for parents in search of a non-invasive method of temperature taking that will ensure accurate results.  The thermometer's gentleness is confirmed by a recent daycare study in which 95 percent of babies slept right through measurement.  Unlike forehead measurements, the Vicks Behind Ear Thermometer takes reading from a naturally protected site and requires only a gentle, 1-second touch – no swiping across the skin is involved.  To take a reading, gently place the thermometer tip in the hollow behind the ear, press the start button, and release after a short "beep."  The patented Vicks® Fever Insight™ feature also takes the guesswork out of interpreting readings – the thermometer's LCD screen display changes color from green to yellow to red to help identify and track a fever, even in the middle of the night.  A memory system also saves the last 8 measurements for easy tracking of fever. 

The Vicks Behind Ear Thermometer has a suggested retail price of $39.99 - $49.99, is backed by a lifetime warranty, and is available at Rite Aid, Target, Walmart and Walgreens.  For more information, visit www.BehindEar.com.   

About Kaz

A world leader in high quality healthcare and home environment products, Kaz is a state of the art, dynamically-managed, global leader in healthcare devices and home comfort products that operates in over 65 countries on six continents with a brand portfolio that includes Vicks, Honeywell, Braun, SoftHeat, SmartTemp, and more.  Kaz USA, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE). For more information about Helen of Troy Limited, please visit www.hotus.com.  For information on other quality products for home health, home comfort and insect control visit www.kaz.com.

VICKS, the shield, the steam device and other related marks are owned by The Procter & Gamble Company.  The Vicks trademark is used by Kaz USA, Inc under license from The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH USA

SOURCE Kaz