Children's health fair scheduled

A teddy bear clinic is among the events planned during the annual children's health fair.

St. Luke's Elmore Center for Community Health will host its yearly Children's Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 23 on the hospital lawn at 895 North 6th East Street.

The annual "funstastic" event gives parents and children an opportunity to learn about health-related services and businesses available in Elmore County and surrounding communities, medical center officials said.

During the day, the fair's fun, interactive learning activities will highlight the latest information available regarding children's health and wellness

The fair's outside venue will feature a variety of activities, including interactive booths, an alpaca petting zoo and emergency vehicle displays from the Mountain Home Fire Department and Elmore Ambulance Service as well as health screenings.

The Mountain Home Lions Club's multiple screening unit will provide free eye and hearing screenings for those ages 5 and up. Free popcorn and hot dogs will be served during the day.

Meanwhile, St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute will set up a walkable digestive tract. It allows participants to explore the human digestive system in a fun way as they walk through the inflatable model of the human digestive system.

Returning this year is the health fair's "teddy bear clinic" in which participating children are encouraged to bring stuffed animals needing repair.

As volunteers mend these stuffed animals, they will explain how doctors and nurses care for injured people using the stuffed animals as model patients.

"Role playing with stuffed animals helps alleviate fears that children often experience when visiting a doctor or hospital," said medical center education manager Anna Hissong.

Area businesses will award door prizes during the health fair with prize tickets available at the gates.

In conjunction with this year's event, the Western Elmore County Recreation District will host its annual "Get Moving" three-kilometer run and walk. Geared for participants of all ages, registration for the event will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Trinity Mountain Medical Clinic parking lot across from Richard Aguirre Park. The event follows at 9 a.m.

Parents and children may also pick up registration forms for the run and walk in advance by stopping by the district's office at 245 East 6th South Street.

Prizes and gift certificates from local and regional businesses will be presented. For more information on the run and walk, call the district office at 580-2377.

The children's health fair activities are free to the public and will run regardless of the weather.

For more information, call the hospital's center for community health office at 587-8401, extension 261.