With more parents not getting their children vaccinated, not taking them in for checkups, and improper hand washing techniques, measles, hepatitis A and other diseases are on the rise. In hopes to educate parents of the importance of all of these and to help make young children feel safe and not afraid of doctor’s visits, the Bell County FCS Agent partnered with local family resource center directors to offer the program “What’s In a Doctor’s Bag?”

     What’s In a Doctor’s Bag was presented to 80 pre-school and kindergarten children in a series of lessons. The children were read stories about things found in a doctor’s bag and what the instruments are used for. They were taught the correct ways to wash hands in order to cut down on the spreading of diseases. The parents received newsletters to encourage regular check-ups and tips on ways to keep their children healthy.

       After the program ended an oral evaluation was given and 85% of the children said because of the program they like to go to the doctor office now and want their families to take them. 90% know how to wash hands correctly and 70% of parents /caregivers identify positive ways to prepare their child for a doctor’s visit. Each child that participated received their very own black doctor’s bag to take home and a first aid kit.