Teddy Bear Clinic Teaches Little Kids Big Safety Lessons

RIVERHEAD, NY - Bandaging boo boos on teddy bears taught the littlest of students some big safety lessons in Riverhead recentnly.

Kindergarten students at the Roanoke Avenue Elementary School recently took part in a Teddy Bear Clinic, presented by Kristi Ladowski, MPH, an Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator from the Trauma Center at Stony Brook Children's Hospital.

Ladowski spoke about the critical importance of buckling yp whenever kids get into the car — no matter how short the trip. She also emphasized the importance of using car seats and booster seats for children eight years old and under; the booster seats help raise kids up so seat belts fit safely, she said.

Next, using a helmet designed to resemble the human brain, Ladowski also talked about the importance of wearing a helmet while skating, snowboarding, skiing, riding a bicycle, or playing many sports. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent, according to statistics presented by Stony Brook Trauma Center.

The students watched as two of their classmates used an egg in a baggie to demonstrate the difference a helmet makes in keeping the head and brain safe.

Last, the kids donned surgical masks and gloves to treat their teddy bear patients, bandaging noses, tummies, arms, wrists and legs. The goal was to help ease fears children might have about the doctor's office or hospital. Kids had to complete paperwork describing the injury, how it occurred, and how the injury was treated by the doctor or nurse.

Photos courtesy of the Riverhead Central School District.