It is nearing the end of October and already the kids are exhibiting signs of coughs and colds. To add to it, I have been feeling a little under the weather myself. We have stocked up on our vitamins and have a fresh supply of natural cough and cold remedies but honestly, what worries me most is that nasty f-word: fever. Apparently, I'm not alone. According to a recent survey of approximately 750 Canadians conducted by the makers of Honeywell Air Purifiers and Vicks Humidifiers & Thermometers, 64 per cent indicated that fever scares them. It comes as no surprise to me because I have seen my fair share of fevers in my own two children from the newborn stages to the tween-age years. And it's never pretty.

While the unknown cause of a child's fever can be worrisome, so can the uncertainty of an accurate temperature reading cause anxiety among parents. Over the past decade, our family has tried a handful of different thermometers, most of them designed to take axillary temperatures (under the arm). The one thermometer we have had the most luck with, however, is the Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer. A few years ago, I noticed it was on sale at Shoppers Drugmart and I decided to use my Optimum points so I paid next to nothing for it. We have been using it ever since.

The thermometer features a patented pre-warmed tip that minimizes the cooling effect of inserting a cool probe tip and helps ensure accuracy time after time. It also features a Guidance System that checks the position of the thermometer in the ear and confirms the accuracy of the measurement. Since you need to use a new disposable lens filter each time, the ThermoScan is designed with a lens filter detector and ejector. It requires 2 AA batteries and includes 21 lens filters as well as a protective case with lens filter storage. This thermometer generally retails for $79.99 but you can get a bonus of 40 filters if you buy the Braun Thermoscan at Toys 'R' Us.

To help you through cold and flu season, one lucky reader will win a Braun ThermoScan. This is just the first in a series of mom and dad must-have reviews so be sure to come back soon for additional giveaways such as the Honeywell AirGenius Air Purifier valued at $230!