Dr. Pat’s Health Tips: Halloween Safety

Halloween is just a week away, so celebrate safely. Whether it is a party with friends or “trick or treat” in the neighborhood, a few simple tips will ensure more fun.

Here’s lookin’ at you, kid. Your little ones (and big ones!) must be able to see in their Halloween get up. Masks can block vision, making navigating streets difficult when it is already dark. Enlarge eye openings for better visibility or use make up for little faces to keep vision unobstructed.

Now you see ‘em. Buy a roll of reflective tape and use it liberally to highlight their costumes. Look for it in fluorescent orange, green or white. More is better.

Walk, don’t run. Long robes can trip them up. Keep hemlines short enough for walking…staple the hemline in a costume for a quick and easy alteration. Walking should be comfortable in the costume.

Light the way. A flash light is a good accessory, not only to see the way, but also to increase visibility to others.

Candy is dandy. There was a time when stopping at a house that had home made goodies was a special treat. These days, packaged treats are best to ensure our children’s safety. Teach the kids to wait to eat candy until they are home and you have sorted it, checking for any open or damaged wrappers.

“My tummy hurts…” I think one of the most common phone calls I get as a pediatrician on Halloween is the late night stomach ache from too much candy. Avoid it by serving a light but healthy dinner before going out, so the treats tempt a little less. Then once you get home, sort the candy, set aside or toss the least favorite treats and indulge wisely. Store the rest in small bags for sharing and eating on other days.

No apples at this party…Avoid “bobbing for apples” at a Halloween party if you want to avoid exposure to everyone else’s germs. For healthier fun, check out Kaboose for some fun Halloween games.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!!