Keeping Halloween Healthy

Tips for Safe Tricks and Treats

By Jessica Squazzo

Every Halloween my sister and I would spread our treat-or-treating loot on the living room floor like two pirates admiring their treasure (well, more like a witch and Little Red Riding Hood). My mother had instructed us to examine each precious piece of candy to make sure it was sealed. If it wasn't, into the trash bin it went. At the time I swore this was a plot devised to deplete our beautiful mountain of candy. I later learned it was just one of my mother's many plans for making our family's Halloween a safe and healthy one.

You and your family can enjoy a happy and safe Halloween by following these tips from the experts.

Trick-or-treating, Halloween's most famous festivity, brings children of all ages to the streets. "Walk, slither and sneak on sidewalks, not in the streets," says the American Red Cross. The organization also reminds children to be accompanied by an adult if possible and to plan their route ahead of time and share it with their families.

Carrying a flashlight to light their way is always a good idea. Children should also look both ways before crossing the street and cross only at corners. They also should not hide or cross the street between parked cars, according to the Red Cross.

Children should only accept treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house, the Red Cross says. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) suggests that children only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on. Children should remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk, the group advises. In neighborhoods where no sidewalks are available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic. Do not permit children to bicycle, in-line skate or skateboard.

Teach children their home phone numbers and how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost, suggests the LAFD. Remind children that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.

Costumes are supposed to be fun, not dangerous. "Plan costumes that are bright and reflective," says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). "Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame." The AAP also recommends that parents consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks, which can limit or block eyesight.

Want to see more?

• Costumes and Candy and Big Kids, Oh My! Halloween for the Older Set
• Cheap Scares: Halloween Costumes on a Dime
• Halloween Temptations: Healthy and Non-food Alternatives from Texas Children's Hospital
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