MOSES LAKE - Now, the teddy bear isn't sick, but it's important to ensure the bear stays well, just like the child who receives it. And demonstrating the principles of preventative medicine in a way kids can understand is the idea behind the teddy bear clinic.

The clinic will be part of the Health and Wellness Expo, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 28 in the ATEC building at Big Bend Community College. The sponsors include the Columbia Basin Herald, Samaritan Healthcare, Confluence Health (Moses Lake Clinic), Moses Lake Community Health Center, Costco and the Columbia Basin Hospital Foundation.

The first 200 children, ages 4 to 10, will receive a teddy bear, that is examined at the clinic, Janet Baker, the organizer, said. "There are different tables set up that will offer various services to the teddy bear, and the child at the same time," she said.

Teddy bears and their new owners get their vision checked, and the child receives a pair of sunglasses. The teddy bears and owners also get their pulse checked, and the child receives a jump rope. There's a before-and-after jump roping check on the kid's heart rate. And children get to listen to their heart.

Bears and kids get their temperatures taken, and the bears get a shot, while parents get information about immunization. The bears and their owners talk to the doctor, in this case a pediatrician.

"It will teach them the importance of health and wellness, along with their bear," Baker said, and why sometimes a child has to see the doctor even if they don't feel sick.

The final stop has a coloring station for the kids. Parents receive information on the options available to them under the new health care regulations, Baker said.

The Health and Wellness Expo will have about 85 exhibitors, as well as guest speakers, screening vision and hearing, testing for diabetes, blood pressure and hearing. There will be information about the health care marketplaces that begin in October, as well as senior services and Medicare options.