Halloween is coming up in less than two weeks and there are a few tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics for making the holiday safe and fun for the whole family!
1) Plan to have costumes that are reflective or bright to signal to cars and other pediestrians that you are in the area. You can add reflective tape to a costume or trick-or-treating bag if needed.
2) If a costume comes with a sword or cane ensure that it is not sharp or long in an effort to reduce injuries to others.
3) When it comes to carving pumpkins it is best to avoid this project when children are young. Children can easily hurt themselves with carving utensils. Alternatives to carving pumpkins include using markers, paint or glitter glue to decorate pumpkins.
4) When lighting a pumpkin, consider using a glowstick, flashlight or plastic flameless candles. If deciding to use a candle, a votive candle is a safer option. Make sure pumpkins are not left unattended and away from areas where someone could knock it over.
5) During trick-or-treating time make sure porchlights are well-lit and bulbs are in working order.
6) If you have pets in your home, move them to a different area of the home or restrain them when trick-or-treaters come to your door to prevent any potential injuries.
7) Children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult. If older children are going with friends, then map out a route that seems appropriate to you. Set a time that they should return home. Trick-or-treaters should bring a cell phone and walk on well-lit streets. It is also an important reminder to children that cars may have difficulty seeing them and they need to be aware of their surroundings. If any unusual activity occurs, notify the police.
8) Before children go out trick-or-treating, a healthy meal can help discourage them from eating excess Halloween candy.
9) To make it a healthier Halloween for the trick-or-treaters, consider passing out non-food treats such as coloring books, markers or toys.
10) Before children dig into their candy at the end of the evening, it is best if an adult sorts through the candy to make sure it is safe, wrapped and not spoiled.
11) It is best to ration out childrens' treats through the following weeks.
Have a safe and fun Halloween! For more tips to keep the whole family healthy, please visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com.
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