Calling all superheroes, ghosts, ballerinas and pirates — you’re invited to the 13th annual Children’s Health Day at Baptist Children’s Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m.
It’s the weekend before Halloween, so kids are asked to come to the interactive health fair in costume and be prepared for plenty of fun. The event is free and takes place outside the Baptist Medical Arts Building, 8950 N. Kendall Dr. (on the Baptist Hospital campus).
“Our annual fair is a lot of fun for the kids, and they don’t even realize that they are learning about their own health,” said Randy Lee, chief operating officer of Baptist Children’s Hospital. “They will have fun participating in exciting learning activities, displays and health screenings that will teach them about health and safety.”
Research has shown that children who already are familiar with hospital settings are less frightened and more comfortable if they become patients.
To highlight the Children’s Diagnostic Center at Country Walk, they are re-creating a diagnostic center at the health fair. Kids who bring a doll, stuffed animal or action figure for a “diagnostic test” get an entrance ticket to the Beary Fun Bus.
Some of the other activities include the Doll Clinic, where children can bring their “sick” stuffed animals and dolls for a check-up and treatment. Kids also will be able to practice their surgical skills in an “operating room,” and learn how to diaper a pretend baby. Free dental and asthma screenings will be available, as well as fingerprinting.
Other event participants include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Miami Children’s Museum, History Miami Museum, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of South Tropical Florida.
Because of the increase in Type II diabetes in children, another display will have information on eating right and exercising to prevent diabetes.
“Today, so many more children are obese that Type II diabetes, which used to be considered an adult disease, is now prevalent in children,” said Lois Exelbert, administrator of the Diabetes Care Center.
The health fair also will have plenty of entertainment, including Madafo the Storyteller, Beary Fun Bus, face-painting, a petting zoo, and mascots Obie from the Orange Bowl Committee and Mini-Stanley from the Florida Panthers Hockey Club.
Free parking is available in the Baptist Medical Arts Building parking garage. For more information, call 786-596-3812.
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