ELMIRA, N.Y. -- His diet is all cookies, all the time. But that didn't stop Cookie Monster from helping teach some Elmira students how to eat healthy Tuesday.

Cookie Monster and Elmo made a special appearance at St. Joseph's Hospital Tuesday morning. Kindergarteners from Holy Family School were there to learn about which foods will help them grow up big and strong. The Sesame Street characters did a little exercise, provided some comic relief and helped drive home the lesson on good nutrition.

"I learned that eating healthy will not get you sick," said kindergartener Max Rohl.

"Junk is no good for you and healthy is very good for you," said kindergartener Elena Drew.

Cookie Monster and Elmo are in town for performances of "Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music" this week at the Clemens Center.