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Teddy bear boo-boos fixed by Roanoke kindergartners

Teddy Bear Clinic

A Roanoke Avenue Elementary School classroom transformed into a Teddy Bear Clinic last Friday where kindergartners dressed up as doctors to treat their teddy bear patients by taping their noses, tummies, arms and legs.

In an effort to help ease fears of going to a doctor’s office or the hospital, kindergartners wore surgical masks and gloves as they treated their stuffed animal patients and also completed medical paperwork explaining how each injury occurred and treatment options.

The Teddy Bear Clinic program was presented by Kristi Ladowski, an injury prevention and outreach coordinator from the Trauma Center at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

During the presentation, Ms. Ladowski stressed seat belt safety — no matter how short the trip — and the importance of using car or booster seats for children 8 years old and under.

In addition, Ms. Ladowski reviewed helmet safety and explained the importance of wearing a helmet while skating, snowboarding, skiing, riding a bicycle, or playing sports and said helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent.

Students also watched a demonstration where an egg was placed in a baggie to illustrate how a helmet keeps the head and brain safe.

Top photo: Dr. Lindsey, a Roanoke Avenue Elementary School kindergartner, treats her teddy bear patient, Peeps, during the Teddy Bear Clinic event last Friday. Peeps will need to rest for 10 days and receive 100 hugs per day in order to recover fully from his leg injury, according to Dr. Lindsey’s medical report. (Credit: Sandy Kolbo courtesy photo)

Kindergarten teacher Anselma Jimenez (seated far left with her students) and teacher assistant Marisa Mullane (middle in blue) with their kindergarten students. Also pictured in the back: L-R Dr. Noah Jablow, Kristi Landowski, MPH and Dr. Anupa Dalel from Stony Brook Trauma Center and Hospital.
Kindergarten teacher Anselma Jimenez (seated far left with her students) and teacher assistant Marisa Mullane (middle in blue) with their kindergarten students. Also pictured in the back: L-R Dr. Noah Jablow, Kristi Landowski, MPH and Dr. Anupa Dalel from Stony Brook Trauma Center and Hospital.