An upcoming ‘Teddy Bear Clinic’ in Paducah aims to help kids feel comfortable the next time they go to the doctor.
The event encourages kids to bring stuffed animals from home to see and touch medical equipment while interacting with medical professionals.
Baptist Health’s Trish Edwards said letting children bandage their stuffed animals might make them less nervous when they receive the same treatment.
“Like ‘oh yeah I’ve seen that, so it’s okay that they do that here,’ I don’t know if we’ll ever get them comfortable with shots, but at least it might ease the discomfort and parents might be able to comfort them a little bit more,” Edwards said.
Edwards said children will also learn about healthy habits like hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes.
Teddy bears will also be available for ‘adoption’ if someone attends without one. The September 4th clinic will be in Kentucky Oaks Mall from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
