BRAUN – Media Backgrounder EN - KAZ Europe

BRAUN HEALTH & WELLNESS PRODUCTS
EUROPEAN MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Braun is the leading brand in premium small domestic electric appliances designed to achieve
the greatest possible perfection in day-to-day use. Braun continually strives to find creative
solutions to meet consumer needs through innovative technology, uncompromising quality and
distinctive design. Braun was founded in 1921 by the engineer Max Braun, and is today owned
by Procter & Gamble.
In 2006, Procter & Gamble and Kaz developed a strategic partnership under which Kaz
acquired Braun’s Health & Wellness products - thermometers and blood pressure monitors. In
Europe, Kaz Europe SA manufactures these products under license to the 'Braun' trademark of
Braun GmbH, Kronberg, Germany.
Kaz is a global leader in developing and marketing high-quality branded consumer health care
devices and home comfort appliances. Every aspect of product development, from in-house
consumer research to operational excellence and superior consumer care, focuses on providing
quality products that meet consumers’ needs and enhance their lives. Kaz operates in over 65
countries on six continents.
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QUICK FACTS
Thermometers:
• Thermometers are an essential item of any medical cabinet as fever is very common and
frequent
o Up to 7 infective diseases with fever per year (toddler)
o Approx. 3 infections with fever per year (school age)
o Approx. 2 infections with fever per year (adults)
• Parents tend to own between one and three thermometers as they use different
thermometers for different moments of the day and family members.
• Less invasive technologies have shown the most growth in the thermometry market
• Price is becoming less and less of a purchase barrier.
• According to a recent study of almost 650 Paediatricians and General Practitioners in the UK,
France and Germany by GfK Custom Research France, the Braun ThermoScan® IRT4000
series ear thermometer with ExacTemp Technology was voted as the most used and
recommended thermometer brand by Doctors and Paediatricians.
• With over 250 million Braun lens filters for thermometers sold each year, consumers and
professionals can be assured of an accurate, hygienic reading in one second.
Blood Pressure Monitors:
• At home, patients tend to be less anxious than at the doctors’ office (white coat effect) *
• Patients are more compliant with their therapy when they participate with daily home
blood pressure checks**
• Blood pressure fluctuates during the day, so only repeated measurements at home can
reflect a patient’s condition
• Blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke
o High blood pressure contributes to around half of all cases of heart disease and
stroke***
o In Europe, the global cost of heart diseases and stroke is above 192’000 M€ a
year and in 2006, cardiac diseases of Europeans represented a loss of 41’000
M€ in productivity terms****
• Treating blood pressure is a reward for the public’s health
o Treating high blood pressure has been associated with about a 40% reduction in
the risk of stroke and about a 15% reduction in the risk of heart attack*****
* Bibliomed : Quelles indications pour la MAPA dans le diagnostic et le suivi de l’HTA ? Numéro 189 du 15
juin 2000
**2007 Guidelines for Management of Hypertension
***WHO: Atlas of Heart disease and Stroke, 2004
****http://www.fundaciondelcorazon.com/actualidad/otras-campanas/1321-en-espana-el-20-de-la-poblacionmayor-de-55-anos-tiene-mas-de-dos-factores-de-riesgo-cardiovascular.html
*****Hypertension Guidelines 2003, WHO
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BRAUN’S RANGE OF THERMOMETERS
The acquisition of Braun’s range of thermometers and blood pressure monitors from the Procter
& Gamble Company by Kaz, has lead to the expansion and globalisation of Kaz’s Healthcare
range.
Braun Thermoscan® ear thermometers offer consumers peace of mind to take temperature in
both a gentle and convenient way. They are suitable for the whole family, even young babies.
Product’s Name Features
Braun ThermoScan®
IRT 4520
Braun ExactTemp®
IRT 4020
Additional products available:
Braun ThermoScan® 4520 ear thermometer with ExacTemp
Technology
The only infrared ear thermometer with a pre-warmed tip and
guidance system to ensure accurate, repeatable readings.
• Pre-warmed tip for improved accuracy. The pre-warmed tip
minimises the cooling effect that could result from the
introduction of a cool probe tip
• Guidance System function to ensure the secure position of
the thermometer in the ear and confirm the accuracy of the
measurement
• Lens filter detector and ejector
• Memory function stores the last eight temperature readings
to allow the user to monitor temperature changes
• Small, soft speculum and flexible tip enhance gentleness
• Accuracy is ensured and cross-contamination risk
eliminated with the use of disposable lens filters
• Comes with 21 lens filters
Braun ThermoScan® 4020 ear thermometer with ExacTemp
Technology
The only infrared ear thermometer with a pre-warmed tip and
guidance system to ensure accurate, repeatable readings.
• Pre-warmed tip for improved accuracy. The pre-warmed tip
minimises the cooling effect that could result from the
introduction of a cool probe tip
• Guidance System function to ensure the secure position of
the thermometer in the ear and confirm the accuracy of the
measurement
• Lens filter detector and ejector
• Memory stores the last temperature reading to allow the
user to monitor temperature changes
• Small, soft speculum and flexible tip enhance gentleness
• Accuracy is ensured and cross-contamination risk
eliminated with the use of disposable lens filters. Comes
with 21 lens filters
• Braun ThermoScan® - IRT 3020, Braun ThermoScan® compact ear thermometer
• Lens Filters recommended to be used for every new measurement to ensure hygiene and safety
• Braun High Speed - PRT 1000, Braun High Speed 3-in-1 digital stick thermometer
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KAZ S.A.’S GUIDE TO FEVER AND THERMOMETERS
1. What is Fever?
If body temperature is consistently above normal temperature range, the patient is said to have
a fever. Fevers are a defence mechanism the body uses to fight infections and are therefore
frequently associated with illnesses. Yet fevers alone are not an illness, only a symptom.
Babies and young children commonly have up to 12 infections per year, and on average seven
of these cause a fever. Many of them are harmless, such as a sore throat or a cold. But they
can be more dangerous, including acute ear infections, or even life-threatening, like meningitis.
On average, school-age children have around three febrile infections per year and adults two.
2. Temperature measurement
Temperatures are taken most commonly in the ear (tympanic measurement), in the mouth
(orally measurement), under the arm (auxiliary measurement) or in the bottom (rectally
measurement). Each method is considered accurate when done correctly. Except for ear
thermometers, most digital thermometers are universal, meaning temperature can be taken
orally, rectally or under the arm. Temperature readings can differ slightly depending on the
method, so be sure to use the same method for the sake of consistency.
• Ear
Ear measurements are gentle, easy and fast, and thus preferred by many parents. However, the
temperature often varies between readings, leading to the misconception that ear thermometers
are inaccurate. To minimise this effect, it’s very important to use the correct ear thermometer. A
reading of 38°C or higher is generally considered as fever.
• Oral
Oral temperature taking is generally recommended for children who are at least four years of
age and can easily hold the thermometer in their mouth. A reading of 37.5°C or higher is
generally considered a fever.
• Underarm
This is a safe and straightforward method for children of all ages. A reading of 37°C or higher is
generally considered as fever.
• Rectal
Taking a baby’s rectal temperature is not difficult and does not have to be uncomfortable for
either the baby or the parent. There are some thermometers designed especially for rectal
measurements that make it fast and easy. A reading of 38°C or higher is generally considered a
fever.
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3. Different types of thermometer
• Digital thermometers
Electronic digital thermometers offer a number of advantages over glass thermometers. They
obtain temperature readings faster, and their digital display is easy to read. There is also no risk
of injury from broken glass or mercury.
• Infrared thermometers
Infrared thermometers measure heat generated by surfaces and cavities. The key advantage of
this type of thermometer is its speed - it takes just seconds to take a temperature reading.
Infrared ear thermometers measure the heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue.
They give an accurate temperature on an easy-to-read digital display in just a few seconds. In
addition, because the ear is easily accessed and the measurement is fast, they are ideal for use
with children.
Infrared skin thermometers measure the infrared heat produced by the skin at other sites on the
body, such as the forehead, temple or under the arm. Because the sensors do not measure the
temperature below the skin surface, the measurements may not accurately reflect the core body
temperature.
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BRAUN’S RANGE OF BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS
More and more doctors are recommending that blood pressure also be checked at home. Braun
blood pressure monitors are clinically tested and make home monitoring accurate, easy and
comfortable.
Braun’s latest blood pressure monitors:
Product’s Name Features
TrueScan BPW4100
Wrist blood pressure monitor
Easy, Accurate, & Advanced Indicators
High Accuracy
• Clinically tested accuracy
• Easy Positioning System guides the
user and ensures the monitor is
always held at heart level before
and during measurement
• Detects Irregular Heartbeat
• Averaging function provides
average measurement over the last
7 days
• Low battery indicator to ensure
accurate measurements every time
Ease-of-Use
• One-button operation
• Measures during inflation for gentler
and quieter readings
• One-size-fits-all cuff
• BP level indicator shows BP
classification based on ESH and
WHO guidelines
• Fully automatic operation
• Large buttons and easy-to-read
LCD display
Convenience
• 2-User Mode allows individual
tracking of measurements
• Memory saves 80 measurements
(40 x 2) with time and date
• Automatically shuts off after
1 minute
• Includes 2 x AAA batteries,
illustrated instruction manual and
storage case
• 2 year warranty
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TrueScan Plus
BPW4300
Additional products available:
Wrist blood pressure monitor
Easy , Accurate , & Advanced PC Manager
High Accuracy
• Clinically tested accuracy
• Active Positioning System guides
the user and ensures the monitor is
always held at heart level before
and during measurement
• PC-Link feature gives the user the
ability to download information to
his/her computer using a USB cable
(included). BP Smart Manager
Software enables the user to store,
analyze and share information with
their doctor
• Detects Morning Hypertension
• Detects Irregular Heartbeat
• Averaging function provides
average of last 7 days
measurements
• Low battery indicator to ensure
accurate measurements every time
Ease-of-Use
• One-button operation
• Measures during inflation for gentler
and quieter readings
• One-size-fits-all cuff
• BP level indicator shows BP
classification based on ESH and
WHO guidelines
• Fully automatic operation
• Large buttons and easy-to-read
LCD display
Convenience
• 2-User Mode allows individual
tracking of measurements
• Memory saves 180 measurements
(90 x 2) with time & date
• Automatically shuts off after 1
minute
• Includes 2 x AAA batteries,
illustrated instruction manual,
storage case, USB cable and BP
Smart Manager software CD
• 2 years warranty
Wrist blood pressure monitors Upper Arm blood pressure monitors
SensorControl EasyClick BP3510
SensorControl EasyClick BP3550
SensorControl EasyClick BP3560
VitalScan Plus BP1600
VitalScan Plus BP1650
VitalScan Plus BP1700
VitalScan Plus BP1750
ExactFit BP4020
ExactFit BP4600
ExactFit BP4900
ExactFit Plus BP5900
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KAZ SA’S GUIDE TO HYPERTENSION AND BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS
1. What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a very common health threat and is the medical condition of having consistently
high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on artery walls as it circulates
through the body. Blood fills arteries to a certain capacity, like air in a tyre. If there is too much
air, the air pressure can damage the tyre. In the same way, high blood pressure can damage
arteries and lead to life-threatening diseases.
A doctor must diagnose hypertension, but blood pressure can be tracked at home with a home
blood pressure monitor. If the readings over a period of time are persistently above given limits,
users should consult their doctor immediately.
2. The readings - systolic and diastolic pressure
Blood pressure monitors give two readings: systolic and diastolic pressure. The values are
expressed in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Most blood pressure monitors also show the heart
rate.
Systolic pressure is the maximum blood pressure. It represents the pressure on the arteries
when the heart contracts and pumps blood into them. Diastolic pressure is the minimum blood
pressure, which is recorded when the heart relaxes after contracting and draws blood back into
its chambers. For further information, refer to www.medicinenet.com or www.medterms.com.
According to the World Health Organization, hypertension occurs when consistent readings of
over 140/90 mmHg (this is read as “140 over 90″, where 140 is the systolic pressure and 90 is
the diastolic pressure) are reached. It is also possible to have systolic hypertension or diastolic
hypertension if only one of these levels is high.
3. Home measurement
The European Society of Hypertension encourages people who suffer from high blood pressure
to measure their blood pressure regularly at home. This improves patients’ adherence to
treatment and provides more information on its effectiveness.
• Upper arm blood pressure monitor. This is the place where a doctor measures blood
pressure, and this type of monitor can also be uses at home. The strap is placed around the
upper arm and the button is pressed. The strap automatically inflates and then deflates slowly.
During deflation, when blood pressure equals the pressure in the strap, the monitor displays the
systolic and diastolic readings together with the pulse.
• Wrist blood pressure monitor. These are very small and easy to use. Firmly wrap the
strap around the wrist so that the screen is on the inside of the wrist, and press the button. The
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strap inflates and then deflates slowly, and the monitor displays the systolic and diastolic
readings together with the pulse.
Some tips to help choose the right method:
4. Proper measurement
To ensure accurate blood pressure measurement, it is important to:
• Always take readings at the same time of day, ideally in the morning and evening, under the
same conditions.
• Wait for 30 minutes after smoking, drinking coffee or eating.
• Take off wristwatches and jewellery before fitting the strap on the arm. A tight shirt should not
be worn when using an upper arm monitor.
• When taking a measurement, sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor and keep still.
• Perform the measurement quietly in a relaxed position.
• Wait approximately three minutes before repeating a measurement.
5. Correct posture
To ensure consistent and accurate readings, the blood pressure monitor must be held steady
and at the right level. For upper arm monitors, this means placing the arm on a table so that the
strap is at the same level as the heart. Posture is even more important for wrist monitors. The
wrist should be held at heart level when taking a measurement.
Correct posture for upper arm monitor Correct posture for wrist monitors
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BIOGRAPHIES
Roelof Zeijpveld – General Manager EMEA Kaz Europe SA.
Roelof Zeijpveld joined Kaz in July of 2005 as General Manager of Kaz
Europe EMEA. Roelof has spent the last several years improving Kaz
Europe’s positions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He is based in
the EMEA headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland where he oversees
operations in more than 40 countries from Scandinavia to South Africa.
Roelof has worked in sales, marketing, and general management
positions for companies all over the globe, including Mars, Wrigley's,
Ralston Purina and Energizer, based in France, Spain, Switzerland and
the Netherlands.
He speaks Dutch, German, English, French, and Spanish. Roelof received a degree in business
from Business College Apeldoorn in the Netherlands.
Emanuela D’Aloisio – Brand Manager Healthcare, Europe – Kaz
Europe, responsible for Braun Thermometers
Since joining Kaz Europe at the end of 2008, Emanuela D’Aloisio has
been driving the portfolio strategy and the marketing efforts for the Braun
and Vicks Thermometry range to secure and reinforce Kaz Europe
leadership in the category.
This includes new product development, launching of products,
communication campaigns and consumer promotion.
She has more than 8 years experience in FMCG multinationals gained through Sales, Trade
Marketing and in particular Marketing roles.
Emanuela graduated from Urbino University in Italy and she holds a degree of Marketing and
Communication.
Isabelle Jeangoudoux – Associate Brand Manager HealthCare –
Kaz Europe, responsible for Braun blood pressure monitors
Before joining Kaz in 2008, Isabelle Jeangoudoux worked in Marketing
for 5 years for both consumer goods and the automotive industry.
Isabelle’s expertise includes EMEA market intelligence, introducing new
products development and category extension, answering to sales
needs, providing advertising, promotions and product training across
pan European regions for distributors and retailers teams.
Isabelle was first in charge of supporting the Braun Blood Pressure Monitors category under the
Braun brand by developing and executing marketing plans for EMEA in 2008. In 2009, she
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added the Air Treatment category under the Vicks/Wick brand to her portfolio for the
management of Humidifiers, Purifiers, Inhalers and Vaporizers.
Isabelle graduated from ESCEM School of Management with a degree in International
Management and Marketing, and then from Bradford University-School of Management,
Audencia School of Management, Deusto University with a Master of Arts in Business and
Administration.
Isabelle is a French citizen, her mother tongue is French and she also speaks fluent English,
Italian and Spanish.
www.kaz-europe.com
For media enquiries contact:
Anne-Lise Berthon – Cohn & Wolfe Public Relations
Email: anne-lise.berthon@cohnwolfe.com
Tel: +41 22 908 40 77
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