RIVERSIDE & SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES, CA . . . . There are times when most kids, especially younger kids, wish they had a big, strong superhero to protect them from danger.

That wish came true recently for more than 6,000 Inland Empire kids when not just one, but two superheroes came to their rescue.

The American Medical Association's anti-smoking champion - The Extinguisher - flew across America to make his first visit to California. His purpose - to help Inland Empire children fight the $2.5 billion "Big Tobacco" spends annually on advertising targeting kids.

He was joined by Inland Empire Health Plan's own "Wiz on Wheels," Rad Rider - Safety Cycler. His purpose - to remind kids to always obey bike safety rules and to always wear a bike helmet, especially here in the sixth most dangerous place for bike riders in America.

The historic healthcare first for the Inland Empire and for California was co-sponsored by Riverside County Medical Association, San Bernardino County Medical Society, and Inland Empire Health Plan.

The "Dynamic Duo" zoomed across Riverside and San Bernardino counties during their four-day crusade Sept. 18-21 to reach as many kids, parents and grandparents as possible.

The two superheroes "landed" first at the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino for two days and distributed over 15,000 pieces of anti-smoking material to 5,000 kids. They starred in special assemblies for 700 second - fourth grade students at Walnut Elementary School, Chino, and Taft Elementary School, Riverside. And they greeted hundreds of afternoon shoppers at Montclair Plaza, Montclair, and The Galleria at Tyler, Riverside.

"We are thrilled so many children were able to meet The Extinguisher and Rad Rider in person and to hear their life-saving health and safety messages," said RCMA Executive Director Dolores Green.

"The welcome by the schools and the two retail establishments for this unique healthcare event is especially gratifying," said SBCMS Executive Director Linda Stratton. "Their cooperation really made it all work."

"The Extinguisher/Rad Rider Tour is an example of what good can happen when physicians, managed care plans, schools and the business community work together to benefit children and families," said IEHP's CEO Richard Bruno. "Speaking for IEHP, we are delighted to work with both county medical associations, the schools, and the business community to help keep our Inland Empire kids healthy and safe."

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