Pictured: Barry E. Goldberg, M.D., Pediatric Cardiology, Heidi Christensen, Associated Director of Pharmacy Services and Howard J. Balbi, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center recently held, Safe and Healthy Kids, the first of many special events designed to celebrate the hospital's 50th anniversary. Parents and children of all ages were invited to the free event that focused on pediatric health and wellness. A presentation, entitled Media Watch, was given by Howard J. Balbi, M.D., Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Information about childhood obesity was presented by Barry E. Goldberg, M.D., Pediatric Cardiology. A Safe Medication Use presentation was given by Heidi Christensen, Associated Director of Pharmacy Services. Both parents and children were educated and entertained with hands-on presentations from the Microbiology Department featuring Germ Busters, a handwashing program for children. Additionally, the Rehabilitation Department's physical therapists demonstrated fun-engaging exercises. The event concluded with Good Samaritan's Stranger Safety Puppet Show, which was presented in conjunction with the Rose Brucia Education Foundation. More than 120 community members attended.

Ronald McDonald, along with WALK Radio's Walky Bear, joined the festivities. Pizza and ice cream were donated by Our Little Italy of West Islip and Coyle's of Bay Shore.

If you would like information about Good Samaritan's 50th anniversary celebrations planned throughout the year, or additional dates for the next Safe and Healthy Kids event, please call, (631)-376-4444.