Ridgeway Kindergarteners Clear Elmo's Cough

Nick Scheitzer cautiously removed the tonsils from The Muppets' jazz-playing canine, Rowlf, as he placed the stuffed animal's organs on a nearby paper napkin.

Peering over his miniature surgical mask as he and his classmates used tweezers, the Ridgeway Elementary kindergarteners participated in the Anne Arundel Medical Center's Hands on Health event, an initiative to alleviate local children's anxieties about hospitals.

In its 30th year, the Hands on Health program is a two-day event that invites kindergaten classes to be engaged on hospital practices and issues. On Wednesday, the 5- and 6-year-olds of Mrs. Webb's and Ms. Smith's classes did just that. 

"This is the best age, 5-year olds are the best," said Dr. Michael Clemmens, a pediatric hospitalist and guest speaker for the event. "They're smart enough to understand but still have that childhood naivety, plus they're very enthusiastic learners."

Four stations were positioned throughout a large room on the seventh floor, with each table providing a different aspect of hospital care. 

Hospital Spokeswoman Michelle Powell said the activities were strategically picked to represent things average children would come across. 

Ranging from finger casts to removing Big Bird's tonsils, the children enthusiastically embraced their roles as little doctors and nurses. 

"Elmo's not feeling well today," said one pediatric nurse as she invited the students' involvement. Another nurse, Teresa Swift, coached children through the use of an incentive spirometer, a device used to help patients take deep breaths after surgery. 

Allison Webb, a Ridgeway kindergarten teacher, said the best part of the events were that they were, "hands on."

"It helps [the kids] not be afraid to go to the hospital," Webb said. 

After some laughs while donning their surgeon and nurse hats, the students were addressed by Clemmens about bike safety, eating healthy and the purpose of the body's organs.

Clemmens was even brave enough to say the words "poop" and "pee" despite the young crowd's fits of laughter when discussing intestines and kidneys.

If the children's enthusiasm is any indicator, it's likely that some students will hope to graduate from stuffed animals and eventually become real medical professionals.