In October, a class of 18 kindergarten students from Sts. Peter and Paul School in Nauvoo visited Memorial Hospital’s Health & Wellness Center for an engaging day focused on health, nutrition, and wellness. The students explored three interactive stations: the Teaching Kitchen, a Health & Nutrition game, and a Teddy Bear Clinic.
In the Teaching Kitchen, Chef Amber Clark and Registered Dietitian Ashlyn Housewright taught the children how to make healthy snacks, such as Pumpkin Energy Bites, Pumpkin Fruit Dip, and Candy Corn Fruit cups using fresh pineapple and cantaloupe. The students made homemade whipping cream for a topping. At the next station, Registered Dietitian Julie Shoemaker led a lively Health & Nutrition game that emphasized the benefits of fruits and vegetables in daily diets. Through games and discussion, the children learned about the role of nutrition in maintaining a strong and healthy body.
Finally, Certified Child Life Specialist Maddie Shutwell welcomed the children to the Teddy Bear Clinic, where they learned about routine medical care in a friendly, comforting environment. Shutwell guided the children through a practice medical exam with a stuffed bear, allowing each child to listen to the bear’s “heartbeat” with a stethoscope and apply Band-Aids. Each child received a complementary bear to take home as a reminder of their visit. Shutwell also introduced her role as a Child Life Specialist, explaining that families can request her services through their provider. Shutwell can be present during medical visits to help ease children’s experiences at the hospital or clinics.
Erin Hughes, kindergarten teacher at Sts. Peter and Paul, said this field trip was an “original idea” and “a great opportunity for the kids to learn about healthy snacks, especially around Halloween.” She also said, “it’s great to have something so unique close by.”
Memorial Hospital is committed to educating young minds about wellness and making healthcare a positive experience. To learn more about the Health & Wellness Center and Child Life Services, please visit MHTLC.ORG.
Pictured: The kindergarten class from Sts. Peter & Paul School with their teacher Erin Hughes outside of the Health & Wellness Center at Memorial Hospital.
