SAN BERNARDINO, CA . . . . For the first time, two nationally acclaimed healthcare superheroes will join forces to launch a crusade to protect Inland Empire kids.

The American Medical Association (AMA) is sending its anti-smoking superhero, The Extinguisher, to team with Inland Empire Health Plan's (IEHP) bicycle safety superhero, Rad Rider - Safety Cycler. It is The Extinguisher's historic first visit to California.

Co-sponsoring this unique healthcare event are the Riverside County Medical Association, the San Bernardino County Medical Society, the AMA, and Inland Empire Health Plan.

The Extinguisher will enlist young "buddies" (up to age 10) to help him fight "Big Tobacco." Rad Rider will remind kids to always wear a helmet and always obey safety laws when riding their bikes.

Children are invited to meet the "Awesome Twosome" in person and receive free gifts and free health/safety comics while supplies last.

The Extinguisher and Rad Rider will be at the Route 66 Rendezvous in the IEHP Fun Zone on Sat., Sept. 18 and Sun., Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; at Montclair Plaza, Montclair (Penney's entrance) on Mon., Sept. 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and at The Galleria at Tyler, Riverside (Macy's entrance) on Tues., Sept. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The "Dynamic Duo" will also speak to students at Walnut Elementary School, Chino (Sept. 20) and at the Riverside YMCA (Sept. 21).

"We are very proud to help bring The Extinguisher to the Inland Empire for his first visit to California," said Richard Bruno, IEHP's CEO. "We are doubly proud that he will add his superhuman powers to those of our own Rad Rider to keep Inland Empire kids both safe and healthy."

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