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By Ramona Frances

Lily Gonzales, 3, of Madera Ranchos, hugs her Teddy Bear. Young children such as Lily will be visiting Children's Hospital to learn about medical procedures in a non-threatening way.

Photo by: For The Madera Tribune

Young children will bring teddy bears and dolls as part of an annual low-key effort Monday to teach them about health and safety at Children's Hospital Central California. The toys will be used to show children what can happen during a hospital visit in a non-threatening way.

The educational event, held annually, will be sponsored by the Child Life Department.

Children's Hospital public information officer Micheline Golden said children pre-kindergarten through third grade will engage in "play therapy" to learn about medical procedures. Toy bears and dolls will have x-rays, blood tests, get taped in preparation for a cast or have surgery.

"When we were kids, no one told us anything. They would just spring it on us (medical procedures) to get it over with. Often, kids didn't want to cooperate when it was upsetting," said Golden.

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Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.