The 31st Annual Children's Day

LOMA LINDA >> Over 1,400 kids and their chaperones from the community filled the campus lawn during the 31st annual Children’s Day, presented by Farmer Boys, at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH)on Wednesday, May 4. The free event, designed for kids aged 3-8, was attended by at least 11 schools and day cares in the Inland Empire. Every year since 1985, Children’s Day has been providing hands-on learning activities to give kids non-threatening exposure to a hospital setting. Organized by LLUCH’s child life department, the event offered various booths designed just for kids, including: •Teddy bear clinic: kids were encouraged to bring their own doll or teddy bear for a “check up.” •Stitch station: kids learned about having stitches. They were given an opportunity to be the “doctor” placing the stitches on a paper person. •Pretend finger casting: provided by Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital child life department. •Fire safety: provided by the department of environmental health and safety, kids learned how to extinguish a fire using water and fire balloons. •LLU School of Dentistry provided tips and demonstrations on dental health. •LLUCH pediatric transport team shared the lifesaving measures used to transport babies and kids to and from the hospital. •Sports injury awareness, and automobile and car seat safety with Safe Kids. Dr. Bill Hayes held a show and tell session with his array of venomous creatures including rattlesnakes, lizards, and more. PHOTO CAPTION: One young guest at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital’s 31st annual Children’s Day, presented by Farmer Boys, took advantage of the teddy bear clinic and used a real stethoscope to listen to the “heartbeat” of his stuffed animal. This was just one way kids learned about health and medicine in a fun and safe environment.