Teddy Bear Clinic a Hit!

It was check-up time for teddy bears on August 20 at Four Directions Community Health Centre’s annual Teddy Bear Clinic.

“The purpose of the whole event is to bring awareness of a variety of services and see if the children are due for immunizations,” said Val Skiba, a public health nurse with Four Directions. “The children will see their teddy get their immunizations and, if their parents consent, then we’ll immunize the children, too.”

Pre-school and school age children were invited to visit 15 stations, representing various health and safety services providers and agencies.

On hand this year were the Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Team, Saskatchewan Government Insurance’s Safety Squad, Regina City Police’s bicycle patrol, the Regina Fire Department, speech and language pathologists, addiction counselors, dietitians, dental health educators, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Emergency Medical Services, nurse practitioners, and public health nurses promoting breast feeding and immunization.

Fifty-three children and their fuzzy friends took part.

“This is an interactive way for children to see what these services are all about in a non-threatening manner,” said Skiba.

Upon completion of the stations, their names were entered into draws for a range of prizes, including car seats, first aid kits and fun stuff, too.

The Teddy Bear Clinic began in 2006 as a way to promote immunizations and provide an opportunity for families and children to learn about health and safety services found in Regina.

Dozens of children and their plush companions took part in Four Directions’ Teddy Bear Clinic.

Photo credit: Medical Media Services