It’s December, a time of holiday cheer when magic fills the air. At Health Edco, we watch every December as seasonal magic brings health education to life in a uniquely special way. And, no surprise, it’s happening again right now!

During the daytime hours at our offices and manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas, we’re always hard at work creating our innovative health education materials that bring health education to life. After hours, however—and only during the magical month of December—our security cameras catch a curious sight: Our health education products actually come to life!

Our health education materials and models always spread important health messages, so when these health education teaching tools come alive, they have even more to say. We’ve asked four of them to tell us what health education messages they’d like to spread this month and in the year ahead. Here, in their own words, are our My SmartBaby™ Infant Simulator, Human Skull Model With Brain, Anatomy of an Opioid Abuser 3-D Display and Nasogastric Intubation Model. Let’s listen in and see what they have to say!

Health Edco: OK, OK, slow down. I want to hear more! Let’s start with you, My SmartBaby. Gosh, you’re so cute! Tell me, what makes you so smart?

My SmartBaby™ Infant Simulator: (Speaking in a baby voice) You see, I provide students with a realistic infant care simulation experience that lasts up to 48 hours. Just like a real baby, I need attention, but my caregivers have to figure out what to do when I randomly start crying. Do I need a diaper change? Do I want to be fed? Am I not feeling well? Do I want to play? My caregivers have to figure it all out! It’s genius, isn’t it?! I keep my caregivers busy; I may have up to 200 needs and cares (such as feeding, diapering, rocking, medicine, or a toy) during the 48-hour simulation!

Health Edco: That’s very impressive! (Also, I’m a little creeped out hearing all of this “adult-talk” from a cute little baby.) Anyway, tell me: Do you require a lot of extra, expensive software?

Human Skull Model With Brain: I’m here to represent Health Edco’s line of anatomy education materials. My skull is ideal for basic anatomical study; it even separates into three parts: the mandible, base of skull, and skull cap.

Health Edco: Yes, yes … but what about that big brain of yours?

Human Skull Model With Brain: My brain is really impressive, isn’t it? Feel it … it’s made of our special BIOLIKE™ material, which makes it soft, squishy, and spongy.

Health Edco: Your brain really is nice and soft! So tell me, what important health messages do you have?

Human Skull Model With Brain: Well, not only is my skull a great way to teach about skull anatomy, but my soft BIOLIKE brain is the perfect way to discuss how vulnerable your brain is to injury. I’m ideal to use to talk about concussions and the importance of wearing a helmet during bicycling, skateboarding or other activities, or why a seat belt can help prevent traumatic head injuries.

Anatomy of an Opioid Abuser 3-D Display: I’m here to represent Health Edco’s extensive line of drug education resources, but my easy-to-see brain model sends a powerful message about opioid addiction. During an opioid overdose, opioids can slow breathing to the point where coma, brain damage, or even death may occur.

Health Edco: Yikes!

Anatomy of an Opioid Abuser 3-D Display: Yikes, indeed! So my message remains unchanged: Opioid addiction can have deadly consequences. Prescription opioids should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional, but don’t take medication that hasn’t been prescribed to you. And don’t think the pills you’re buying online or on the streets that are sold as prescription opioids are the real deal. They could contain extremely powerful synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl or nitazenes, or other dangerous substances (including xylazine) that can kill after a single pill. Addiction to prescription opioids often turns to heroin addiction, too. If you have substance abuse disorder with opioids or any other type of drug, seek help. It just might save your life.

Health Edco: I can see your brain clearly, but what makes you so smart?

Nasogastric Intubation Model: Actually, my purpose is to train students in healthcare to make them smart! I’m a handpainted, molded, 1¼" deep model depicting the anatomy of the nose, mouth, pharynx, trachea, esophagus, and stomach. Students can learn about and practice the proper technique for inserting lubricated feeding tubes or catheters by passing them through my nose or mouth. Students can also practice tracheostomy care techniques using my simulated tracheostoma. My Plexiglas front facilitates the learning experience by enabling students to view the procedure.

Health Edco: I see! No wonder you’re a best-selling health procedure training model!