Knox County Tennessee

Stay safe and healthy this Halloween

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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!

For more great Halloween tips, visit:

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Knox County Tennessee - Health Department

Main Clinic
140 Dameron Ave,
Knoxville, TN 37917
865-215-5000

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
*Some clinics have extended hours. Please check the clinic's webpage for their respective hours.

Please Note:

On the first Wednesday of every month, all KCHD offices and clinics are closed in the morning for staff in-service. On these days, the main location (140 Dameron Ave.) will open at 11 a.m. and the West Clinic (1028 Old Cedar Bluff) will open at 11:30 a.m.
Clinics will also open at 10 a.m. (Main location), and 10:30 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays:
  • October 18, 2023
  • January 17, 2024
  • April 17,2024
  • July 17, 2024

*All other offices will open at 8 a.m.

Infant and childhood immunizations as well as adult vaccines by appointment ONLY. Please call 865-215-5950.

1028 Old Cedar Bluff
Knoxville, TN 37923
865-215-5950

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Clinics will also open at 10 a.m. (Main location), and 10:30 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays:
  • January 18
  • April 19
  • July 19
  • September 20

Map Of All Clinics
Department Email