“As a parent of Noek, a 7-year-old girl with multiple disabilities, including both physical and cognitive challenges, taking care of her health and monitoring her condition is an essential part of our daily life. Noek is medically fragile, with a heart defect and a chromosomal abnormality, and requires constant care. While she is generally in good health, she is vulnerable to illnesses, and it is critical for us to stay on top of any potential health issues. One of the challenges we face is that Noek is unable to speak, so we need to rely on behavioral cues to understand how she’s feeling. This makes accurate health monitoring even more important, especially when it comes to checking for fever, which is often one of the first signs that something might be wrong. 

We began using the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer when it was gifted to us by a friend of my mother’s. The suggestion to use this specific thermometer came from her understanding of our unique situation. Because Noek has limitations, it’s much more convenient for us to use a non-invasive thermometer. Using a rectal thermometer, which we had been relying on before, can be quite a task and involves several steps, which are not ideal for frequent use, especially when we need to check her temperature in a hurry or when she’s sleeping. I had never trusted ear thermometers as much, because I’ve always had the impression that they are not as accurate. I wasn’t actively looking for a new thermometer at the time, but the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer seemed like a practical alternative that could make our lives a little easier. 

Now that we’ve been using the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, we’ve found it to be a great tool for monitoring Noek’s health. We use it only when necessary—typically when Noek seems off, uncomfortable, or shows signs of illness. Since she can’t verbalize her discomfort, we pay close attention to her behavior. For example, after returning from a holiday, when Noek went back to school, she seemed a bit sluggish and wasn’t her usual self. She was clingy and more irritable than usual, which for her is a sign that something might be wrong. That’s when we decided to take her temperature. We don’t measure her temperature on a daily or weekly basis, but only when there are signs that she might not be feeling well. Having the Exergen thermometer on hand makes this process so much easier. 

In the beginning, I was a bit skeptical about how accurate an infrared contact forehead thermometer could be, especially compared to the rectal thermometer we had been using for years. So, to ease my mind, I compared the readings from the Exergen thermometer with those from our rectal thermometer. To my surprise, the results were very comparable, which gave me confidence in the Exergen device. The ease of use is another big advantage. Noek doesn’t seem to mind the thermometer too much, though sometimes she will try to push it away. This is not unusual, as we also have to hold her hands during other tasks like brushing her teeth. That said, she doesn’t cry or become upset when we use the Exergen thermometer on her forehead, which is a huge plus. The rectal method, while effective, was more invasive and involved more steps, making it harder to manage when Noek was already uncomfortable. 

One of the best things about the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer is how easy it is to use. We can take Noek’s temperature quickly and without disturbing her, which is especially helpful at night. The fact that it’s just as accurate as the rectal thermometer is incredibly reassuring because, as a parent, you want to trust that the information you’re getting about your child’s health is reliable. Knowing that the Exergen thermometer provides consistent and precise readings gives me peace of mind, especially given Noek’s health vulnerabilities. 

The convenience factor is also key for us. With Noek’s unique needs, anything that simplifies our routine is a blessing. Being able to quickly check her temperature without waking her up or causing her any discomfort is invaluable. It’s also easy to store and doesn’t require any special setup, which is great. We keep it in a fixed spot in Noek’s own bathroom so that it’s always within reach when we need it. If Noek suddenly seems unwell, we don’t have to scramble to find the thermometer, which saves a lot of stress in those urgent moments. 

For parents who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use thermometer, I would highly recommend the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer. It’s precise, user-friendly, and allows for a non-invasive way to check your child’s temperature. Whether you have a child with special needs like Noek or just want a more convenient way to monitor your child’s health, the Exergen thermometer is a great choice. We’ve found it to be an essential tool in our home. 

One tip I would give to other parents is to keep the thermometer in a designated spot where it’s easy to find. In our case, we store it in the bathroom, and having it in a fixed location ensures that it’s always available when we need it. If your child suddenly seems ill, the last thing you want to do is waste time looking for your thermometer. Being prepared helps you respond quickly, and with a tool like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, you can do so confidently knowing that you’re getting accurate and reliable readings.”  

 EXERGEN P/N 850258, Rev 1