There will be plenty of activities for children and adults during this Saturday’s Teddy Bear Clinic at the Flinthills Mall.
The Teddy Bear Clinic & Health Fair, which is geared toward giving children the opportunity to experience what could happen in the emergency room or at the doctor’s office, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Flinthills Mall. This is the 12th year the clinic has been held.
“Most medical personnel agree that many children are afraid when they enter a doctor’s office or hospital,” a press release from Beth Hammond, public relations specialist at Newman Regional Health, stated. “Children may think these places are where people get shots and have scary things happen to them. Instead of seeing a doctor or nurse as someone that will help them, children see them as someone who is going to hurt them.”
The Teddy Bear Clinic is sponsored by Newman Regional Health, local Kiwanis Clubs, the Emporia Public Library and the Lyon County Early Childhood Task Force. Children can bring their teddy bears to get “checked out” and also will learn health and safety rules.
“Because the teddy bear is a symbol of comfort and caring, children are encouraged to bring their favorite bear or stuffed animal,” the press release stated. “Together they can learn as they visit various medical stations. Children and their bears will be weighed and measured. Teddy bears who need extra care will be sutured, bandaged or splinted.
An X-ray will be taken of each teddy bear and children can see various respiratory care treatments and equipment demonstrated on themselves or their bears.
There will be booths to visit and a fire truck, ambulance and a medical helicopter will be on site for families to check out. For parents and caregivers there will be a series of educational break-out sessions called “Beary Good Breaks,” which will be held throughout the day.
Also during the clinic, Family Life Services and Shiloh Home of Hope for Women will be having a diaper and wipes drive. Hilda Rodriguez of the Lyon County Health Department is inviting the community to drop off diapers and wipes at the Health Department booth on Saturday. Family Life Services and Shiloh Home of Hope provides diapers for young mothers enrolled in their Learn and Earn program and for those who are going through the Shiloh Home of Hope program. Diapers most in demand are sizes 3 to 5.