EXERGEN TemporalScanner

Whenever DS1 has a fever or is suspected to have one, we use an ear thermometer. However, it's been very unreliable lately since it's been producing inconsitent readings. For example, we'll take his temperature and it may be 100.1, and if we check it again the very next minute it may say 103.1, and if we check it yet again it may say 97. Talk about frustrating! Thanks to the Family Review Network, I now have an awesome new thermometer, the EXERGEN TemporalScanner, that produces accurate readings so I won't get frustrated the next time I have to take DS1's temperature.
According to the website, "The TemporalScanner Thermometer is a totally non-invasive system with advanced infrared technology providing maximum ease of use with quick, consistently accurate measurements. Advanced, patented technology measures temperatures with a gentle stroke across the forehead."

When DH saw the EXERGEN TemporalScanner (ARV $29.99-$49.99) he was excited to open it up and try it out.

He read the instructions on the back of the TemporalScanner, tried it on himself by placing it in the center of his forehead and sliding it across until he reached his hairline, and he ended up with a temperature of 94.7. He tried it again. Same reading. Then I tried it on myself and my boys, and we all had a temperature within the 94-95 degree range.

Then I decided to take a look at the instructions to make sure we were using it correctly.

Well, we weren’t. The quick reference card that came with the TemporalScanner said to remove the protective cap, which DH didn’t do.

We had a good laugh. I can’t fault DH though, because on the TemporalScanner itself, it didn’t say to take off the cap, and even when I initially tried the TemporalScanner on myself I thought maybe it was a probe cover (similar to the disposable covers on ear thermometers), so it was an honest mistake.

After we tried the TemporalScanner WITHOUT the cover, all of our readings ranged from 98.6-98.8. Whew!

I was really surprised that the EXERGEN TemporalScanner produced such precise readings. Someone actually gave us a forehead thermometer once, but we never used it because I just wasn’t confident that taking someone's temperature on his or her forehead would produce accurate results. However, the EXERGEN website states explains why the forehead is an ideal place to take one's tempertature: “The TemporalScanner Thermometer is designed to measure the temperature of the skin surface over the temporal artery, a major artery of the head. The temporal artery is connected to the heart via the carotid artery, directly leading from the aorta, the main trunk of the arterial system. It offers constant blood flow. It is the only such artery positioned close enough to the skin surface to provide access needed to take an accurate measurement. It is easy to use because it is ideally located at the front portion of the forehead.”

The EXERGEN Temporal Artery Thermometer is not invasive, it's easy to use, it's less costly (since I don’t need to spend money buying ear thermometer probe covers), and best of all, it’s accurate.

Shop: To purchase the EXERGEN TemporalScanner, click here for a list of retailers.

Savvy Savings: You can get a $5.00 mail-in rebate after purchasing the TemporalScanner. Just visit the EXERGEN website to download the rebate coupon.

Win: EXERGEN is generously sponsoring a giveaway so one lucky winner will get a TemporalScanner!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Stephanie!

• To enter, visit the EXERGEN TemporalScanner website and comment on a feature of the TemporalScanner that you like the most.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
  1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and EXERGEN TemporalScanner
  2)Subscribe to my feed
  3)Add my button to your sidebar
  4)Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is April 7, 2009 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 8, 2009 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to EXERGEN Corporation for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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Wheels on the Bus by Duck Duck Moose

When the Family Review Network had an opportunity to review a cool new application for the iPhone or iPod touch from Duck Duck Moose called Wheels on the Bus, “a fun, interactive musical book for children,” I wasn’t about to pass up the chance. Wheels on the Bus is one of DS1’s favorite songs since we use it so much in his speech therapy exercises, so I knew he’d be really excited to try out the new application.

The first time we launched Wheels On the Bus (ARV $2.99) on my iPod touch, I did all the “actions” myself to show DS1 what he could do. He was so attentive, and he was really captivated by the fun and colorful graphics and characters. He thought it was neat to see how Mommy made the bus go backwards and forwards and the people and animals "move." He listened as I sang along, and there were verses that neither of us had heard before (e.g. The baker on the bus says have some cake) so learning them was fun for the both of us.

The next time around I sang along again while he did the “movements” on the iPod touch, all the while with a huge grin on his face.

Then, the next time we launched it DS1 did his own “movements”—moving his fingers like wipers (“swish, swish, swish”), and bouncing up and down like the people on the bus.

He really loves Wheels on the Bus--whether we sing to it, dance to it, or do all the "actions" on the iPod touch--the application really keeps him interested and entertained!

You can also listen to Wheels on the Bus in different languages, as well as listen to instrumental versions.

A cool feature available for the iPhone or iPod touch 2nd Generation is the ability to record your or your child’s voice! I have the original iPod touch so I was unable to do any recording, but that didn’t matter, because DS1 loved it anyway!

Shop: You can purchase the Wheels on the Bus application on the iTunes AppStore.

Wheels on the Bus is both fun and educational, and DS1 and I look forward to future applications from Duck Duck Moose.

Thank you to Duck Duck Moose for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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