FORT WASHINGTON, PA, August 12, 2014 – From first fever, to first tooth and first bike ride – every new experience is a critical step along a child’s journey. But, according to a new survey conducted by Mom Central in partnership with the makers of TYLENOL®, some milestones are more challenging for mom and child than others. To help mom get through the most difficult moments and enjoy the relief that comes with her child’s smile, the TYLENOL® SMILING IT FORWARD™ campaign is encouraging moms to visit www.SmilingitForward.com for tips from pediatrician, Tanya Altmann, MD and to share photos of their children’s smiles. Each smile shared will benefit the Children’s Health Fund, an organization that provides healthcare services to underserved children throughout the U.S.
It’s no surprise that moms look forward to and love to share their children’s progress as they grow. In fact, a recent Mom Central survey revealed 87 percent of moms take photos of their children’s accomplishments from first steps to first day of school, and 74 percent post photos on social media.1 But with every milestone comes a host of aches and pains – a child’s first tooth can bring on teething pain, the first day of school can mean exposure to the cold and flu virus, and the first bike ride is often accompanied by minor scrapes and bruises. However, many moms feel ill-equipped to manage the discomfort that comes along with many childhood “firsts.” Moms agree that their newborn baby’s first fever and teething issues were the top two most challenging moments when taking care of their newborn. And when seeking advice about early milestones, 64 percent of moms turn to their family and 82 percent of moms say they are most likely to turn to their pediatrician.
“Aches and pains are an inevitable part of childhood. As a mom and a pediatrician, I know it’s important to know how to ease the potential discomfort that might come their way,” shared Dr. Tanya Altmann. “There are a host of smiles throughout childhood that are worth celebrating – but there’s something special about the smile that comes after a fever breaks or pain has been relieved. I’m excited to continue to partner with the TYLENOL®SMILING IT FORWARD™ team, to help moms across the country achieve and celebrate their child’s “feel better” smile through various milestones.”
Dedicated to the health of families across the country, the makers of TYLENOL® started the SMILING IT FORWARD™ program in 2013 to help bring children in need the healthcare they deserve, through support of Children’s Health Fund. Once again, parents can upload photos of their growing children at www.SmilingItForward.com, and a $1 donation will be made to the organization, up to $100,000.2
“We’re thankful for the continued support of TYLENOL® and for all the moms who share their child’s smile and help ensure that a doctor’s visit is within reach for children in need,” said Karen Redlener, Executive Director of Children’s Health Fund.
“TYLENOL® is committed to achieving and celebrating the smiles of healthy children around the world, and we’re proud to continue our partnership with Dr. Tanya and Children’s Health Fund to help make that vision a reality,” shared Manoj Raghunandanan, Senior Director for the TYLENOL® Brand at McNeil Consumer Healthcare. “Over 10,000 infant smiles were shared last year, and we look forward to continuing to see all of the “feel better” smiles of children as they grow.”
In addition to sharing photos of their child’s healthy smile, parents can also visit www.SmilingItForward.com for tips from Dr. Tanya on how to prepare for those major childhood milestones.
About Infants’ TYLENOL®
When it comes to reducing fevers and relieving pain in infants, Infants’ TYLENOL® is the brand recommended most by pediatricians and has been used by moms for over 20 years. Infants’ TYLENOL® relieves minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, headache, sore throat and toothache. Infants’ TYLENOL® also temporarily reduces fever. For more information and a full list of TYLENOL® products, please visit www.Tylenol.com.
About McNeil Consumer Healthcare
McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. markets a broad range of well-known and trusted over-the-counter (OTC) products. McNeil Consumer Healthcare brands include TYLENOL® and MOTRIN® pain relievers and fever reducers; BENADRYL®, ZYRTEC® and ZYRTEC®-D allergy medicines; IMODIUM® anti-diarrheal products; and SUDAFED® and SUDAFED PE® nasal decongestants.
Children’s Health Fund
Founded in 1987 by singer/songwriter Paul Simon and pediatrician/advocate Irwin Redlener, MD, Children’s Health Fund is a national leader on healthcare for vulnerable children. Children’s Health Fund has a fleet of 50 mobile medical clinics serving hundreds of locations across the country, including schools, community shelters and homeless shelters so that every child in need has a chance to be healthy and ready to learn. Over 27 years, the organization has provided more than three million healthcare visits to disadvantaged children, often in places where doctors and healthcare providers are in short supply. For more information about Children’s Health Fund, visit www.ChildrensHealthFund.org.
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[1] Online survey conducted by Mom Central on behalf of the makers of TYLENOL® between May 28 and June 2, 2014 among 604 U.S. moms, age 18+, with children who are 0-8 years old.
[2] Between June 23, 2014 and November 30, 2014, McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the makers of TYLENOL® is inviting anyone 18 and older to upload a “smile” photo on the TYLENOL® Facebook page. Each approved “smile” will trigger a $1 donation from TYLENOL® to Children’s Health Fund, with a minimum donation of $75,000 and a maximum donation of $100,000. Review Terms and Conditions for complete program details. For information about Children’s Health Fund, visit www.childrenshealthfund.org.
Media Contacts:
Ania Tyski
McNeil Consumer Healthcare
atyski@its.jnj.com
215.273.8895
Stephanie Lauto
Zeno Group
stephanie.lauto@zenogroup.com
212.299.8972