MADERA (KMJ) — Local youngsters now have a better understanding of the hospital process, after taking their toys in for a checkup at Valley Children’s.
The “Teddy Bear Health Fair” has been a regular feature for more than 15 years. More than 300 children from preschool to second grade turned up Friday morning to give their stuffed animal a medical examination, under the careful eyes of hospital staff.
“We are here to talk to the kids and show them what we do as medical providers,” explained resident Huong Nguyen. “We’re listening to their teddy bear’s heart, lungs, and tummy. Showing them that an exam can be pretty benign.”
The intention is to make the hospital more welcoming for the younger patients and ease any concerns they might have.
“They are also listening with us with the stethoscope and then examining the teddy bear themselves and showing us that they can also do the exam.”
Unfortunately not everyone received a clean bill of health: one stuffed animal was diagnosed with an ear infection.
“All of them have have been healthy except for that one ear infection,” added Nguyen.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
