Fall festivals and Halloween celebrations are the perfect opportunity to get outside and have some fun, but things like food allergies, dark nights and flu season can put a damper on the festivities. Here are some helpful tips for staying safe and healthy this season.
While trick or treating:
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Give flashlights with fresh batteries to children and their escorts.
- Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Review with children how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street in front of them.
- Young children should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If they are mature enough to go without supervision, they should stay in well-lit, familiar areas and trick-or-treat in groups.
Enjoy the treats:
- A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. A responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items, as well as choking hazards.
- Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween.
- Offer healthy alternatives to candy for trick-or-treaters like pretzels or fruit.
The Teal Pumpkin Project
This is a great way to include kids with food allergies in the festivities by providing non-food treats like stickers, bubbles, or glow-sticks. Simply place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to let people know you have non-food treats available. For more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project: http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project.
A Healthy Halloween? Say what?
And, just for fun, check out some of our favorite nutritionist-approved treats here.
Have a safe and healthy Halloween!
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