EAST LANSING - If you have kids, you may know that the first trip to the doctor or hospital can be a scary experience for them. But Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Michigan hopes that an event held at Michigan State University last weekend would help quell those fears.

Children brought their favorite stuffed animals to the Teddy Bear Hospital at the 4-H Children's Garden at MSU to have various ailments cured by medical students, as well as emergency room doctors. They also got to play with medical equipment that they might see if they ever go to the emergency room. Dr. Amy Blasen, Associate Director of Emergency Services/Pediatrics at Sparrow Hospital, said this makes a difference when kids make that first trip to the ER.

"A lot of those same children, when they come into the ER, ask more questions," Dr. Blasen said. "Sometimes they want to play with the equipment again, but it's not as scary for them."

The event also featured appearances by Sparty and the MSU Cheerleaders.