Advice for a Safe and Healthy Halloween

Halloween is tomorrow, and while it is fun for kids to dress up, parents may want to ensure that too much candy doesn’t haunt their children’s tummies in the days to come.

“The scariest thing about Halloween is the calorie overload from all that sugar,” said pediatrician Jeffrey Gaborko, MD, with Kaiser Permanente in Vacaville. “Too much candy can cause tummy aches in children that are no fun at all, not to mention all the sugar on their teeth.”

Dr. Gaborko says if you go trick-or-treating, make sure the entire family has a healthy and hearty meal first. This will prevent tasting candy along the way due to hunger.

“Mom and Dad should lead by example: Don’t tell your kids they can’t eat their candy, while you indulge in treats,” said Dr. Gaborko.

If, at the end of the evening, your child has a bag full of candy, there are some creative ways to handle it. Set up a candy trade: a dollar for every 10 pieces or a nickel a piece with a minimum of 20 pieces of candy.

Some families have started a tradition of a "Halloween Switch Witch." Have your child pick out a set number of candy pieces to keep, 10 or 15 perhaps, and then the rest goes in a bag put at the foot of the bed, and when asleep, you take the candy and replace it with a toy your child wants. And, don't be afraid if the candy you take away is wasted.

"Honestly, the candy isn't helping any of us!" notes Dr. Gaborko.

Trick-or-treating means a walk around the neighborhood. Play some games along the way; maybe power walk from one house to the next; hop up to the door. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

When costumed characters come to your door, give out healthier treats like raisins or pretzels. You may even want to hand out stickers or pencils. Small toys and trinkets are often just as exciting to receive as the sweets.

Here’s an idea that may make Halloween more meaningful for your children: Rather than loading up on candy, ask for a canned food donation for the local food bank, or carry around a coin box to collect for money for a favorite charity.

“Make the holiday about more than the candy. Enjoy getting dressed up but make the trick or treating short. Plan a get together with your friends and do fun activities as a part of the evening,” suggested Dr. Gaborko.

Some additional safety tips include:

• If Halloween night is cold, make sure you keep warm; especially if your child has asthma or any other respiratory illness.

• Test make-up before applying; check for rashes, irritation.

• Avoid falls by ensuring costumes aren’t too long or dragging and masks aren’t covering the eyes.

• Don’t let children trick-or-treat alone even if it’s just around the corner.

• Make sure you carry a flashlight or other reflective accessories so people can see you.

• Look both ways before crossing the street; always use crosswalks where available.

• Examine all candy before taking a bite. Throw away any pieces that may look tampered with or could be a choking threat.

By following these tips, not only will Halloween be tummy-ache free, but the whole family will be able to enjoy, knowing they had a healthy and safe night.