Sometimes teddy bears run a temperature. A stuffed lion can get a sore throat from all that roaring. And what about a plush dog whose tail doesn’t wag like it should?
Siena’s health professions students understand – that’s why they hosted a campus check up clinic for teddies and other cherished stuffed animals. More than 250 kids and family members came to campus November 10 for the event, which in addition to providing top-notch teddy health care also reinforced for kids the concept of wellness and the importance of regular check ups. It maybe even planted a seed or two in young minds about a future career in health care…
“The event was definitely a huge success!” said Valerie Rivera, MSW, health professions advisor.
“Our student volunteers did checkups for over 100 stuffies to help teach kids about health and introduce them to different health care settings. The reaction was so positive.”
Rivera said there were stations to check vital signs, administer vaccines, do medical imaging, apply bandages, and even talk about dental care.
There were also important long-range goals for the event.
“As Siena positions itself as an area leader in health care education, events like the teddy bear check up clinic are a great way to give the College’s health studies students the opportunity to test their communication skills with patients,” according to Cherisse Young '96, director of alumni engagement.
Many of the parent attendees were alumni, and Young said the clinic was a great opportunity for them to show the kids their alma mater, connect with current Saints, and maybe get them thinking about working one day as a nurse, doctor, dentist, or therapist.
Katie Risolo Radovich '14 brought her 3-year-old son and said the clinic was a hit from a parent perspective.
“The stations were so cute and the event was really well run,” said Radovich. “The Siena students we interacted with were all very kind. They truly went out of their way to get down to my son’s level and engage with him. I know this sentiment was felt by the friends I was with as well.”
Rivera and Young said they hope to make the event an annual one. Highmark supported the clinic this year as a sponsor.
