Teddy Bears and Santa Claus Head to the Health Museum for their Annual Check

Kids Bring their Favorite Stuffed Friends to the Museum's "Clinic"

Houston (November 2, 2010) – Kids from the Houston area can get a "beary" healthy checkup for their teddy bear or favorite stuffed friend at the Teddy Bear Checkup sponsored by Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.  This annual event takes place at The Health Museum on Saturday, December 11 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Santa Claus will be at the museum to get his checkup, too!

During the event's kick-off, Santa will get a 'check-up' to make sure he is fit to fly in his sleigh and deliver presents this Christmas.  Children will also have a chance to meet Santa after they have completed their furry friend's checkup.

This year's title sponsor, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, will not only bring community support to this family focused, health-minded event, but their pediatricians and other doctors will be onsite to talk with parents about the importance of things like immunizations and checkups for both children and adults.

"The Teddy Bear Checkup gives Kelsey-Seybold Pediatricians the opportunity to teach even our youngest patients that everyone, including teddy bears and Santa, need an annual checkup to stay healthy throughout the year," said Dr. Richard L. Byrd, Chief of Pediatrics at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.  "It's a great way for us to connect with families and encourage a lifetime of healthy living for children."

Volunteers from The University of Texas Student Nurses Association and The University of Texas Dental Branch will assist children who want to make sure their teddy bears, dolls or other stuffed toys are happy and healthy.

"Our Teddy Bear Checkup event allows us to reach out to the little patients who may have some anxieties about visiting the doctor or may not have been exposed to some of these health lessons before.  Bringing their favorite stuffed friend to visit the 'doctor' can remove some of that anxiety and give them positive experiences with health and medicine," said Jon Iszard, President and CEO of The Health Museum.  "Plus, seeing Santa go through the same checkup will reinforce that positive message."

This year, families will also have a chance to win a behind-the-scenes tour of the bear exhibit at the Houston Zoo, a Zoo family membership and more zoo prizes!  Other prizes include a family 4-pack of tickets to the Downtown Aquarium and great Health Museum passes, memberships and merchandise.

The event includes hands-on activities for children such as testing real medical equipment, preparing healthy snacks, learning safety tips and safe practices to use at home, and collecting goodies and giveaways.  Children will take their stuffed friends through the teddy bear "clinic" to learn more about hygiene, fitness, nutrition and safety.  Each child will receive a "Certificate of Health" to fill out for their bears as they visit more than half a dozen stations.

Checkup stations at the event include:

• Bear Basics - Check your bear's heartbeat, pulse, blood pressure, weight and other vital signs. Don't forget to make sure that your bear has all its shots!
• Beary Delicious - Find out about portion size and how to make the best food choices. Make a yummy, healthy snack and take home the recipe!
• Beary Fit - Health and wellness are important! Learn some easy exercises and stretches from the YMCA that will keep you and your bear healthy.
• Teddy Exam Room - Use real and toy doctors' tools to make sure your bear is in tip-top shape.
• Seeing is Believing - Four eyes are better than two! Check out your eyes and your bear's eyes with the Eye Care for Kids Foundation.
• Squeaky Clean - Show your bear how to keep germs away by learning the proper way to wash and dry your hands.
• Tough Teeth - Take a look at your bear's teeth and learn more about taking care of your own teeth to help ensure proper brushing and flossing with the UT Dental Branch.

The Teddy Bear Checkup is also supported by The University of Texas Student Nurses Association, The University of Texas Dental Branch, the YMCA of Greater Houston, Brand IQ and the Eye Care for Kids Foundation.

ABOUT THE HEALTH MUSEUM

The Health Museum is a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center and is located in the heart of Houston's Museum District at 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004.  Recent additions to the museum include You: The Exhibit, a highly interactive look at the physical, psychological and future you, and the McGovern 4D Theater, Houston's only 4D theater, where 3D films and environmental effects like wind, rain, fog and lightning combine to create a memorable experience.

Hours for the museum are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.  The museum is open for Free Family Thursday from 2 – 5 p.m.  General Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12 and senior adults. Museum members and children two years of age and under are admitted free.  Group discount rates and school field trip information are available by calling 713-521-1515, ext. 121.  For information about the museum or its programs, please call 713-521-1515 or visit thehealthmuseum.org.

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science is an interactive and entertaining science experience for all ages that promotes understanding and appreciation of the human body, mind and spirit and inspires a lifelong commitment to health and wellness.