What's Going Around? - Trick or Treat... Without the Tricks!

The Halloween adventure starts by finding the perfect princess dress or superhero costume.  Next, the countdown begins to a night full of tricks and treats and maybe even a street map marking the best houses for candy.  But stress Halloween safety to make sure your little ghost’s “boo” doesn’t turn into “boo-hoo.”

DRESSING THE PART

No sorceress is complete without her magic wand, but be sure your kids aren’t wielding any sharp objects on Halloween.  Plastic swords, crowns, and Edward Scissorhands gloves can be sharper than you think.  And make sure Batman doesn’t trip over his cape.  Costumes and masks should fit properly to prevent trips and slips. 

BE PREPARED

Check the forecast.  Temperatures can drop quickly on a clear autumn evening, so if Mickey Mouse needs an extra pair of sweat pants to stay warm, layer up!  Don’t forget the flashlight so little feet can find their way at dusk.  Reflective tape on costume can help others see you, too!

KEEP THE GHOSTS AND GOBLINS TOGETHER

Trick-or-treating in groups is fun, and the smart thing to do.  Find a buddy for your child and encourage them to trick-or-treat together!  But always include a responsible adult in the group.  Stick to houses you know, and only go there if the porch light is turned on. 

THE FLU? REALLY?

Maybe little Johnny wants to dress up like a doctor this Halloween to remind you it’s not too early to get the flu.  It’s true!  The flu starts making its rounds long before the snow falls.  So, if your G.I. Joe is feeling under the weather this Halloween, keep him home.  It helps prevent the spread of illness and will get “Joe” back on his feet a little faster.  (Hopefully, he has a sister or brother willing to share their loot.)  And don’t forget to wash up before diving into the candy.  All those doorbells and doorknobs are teeming with germs.

BEFORE DIVING INTO THE CANDY!

Patient First Neighborhood Medical Centers offer free x-rays of Halloween candy.  This quick look inside of your sweet treats can detect some things that don’t belong, like glass, metal, and plastic.  It’s one more way to help parents monitor their kids’ treats.  The free x-rays are offered from 6pm to 9pm on October 31^st.  Parents should always inspect their children’s candy whether or not x-rays are done.  There can be contaminants that don’t show on x-rays.

As an additional safety measure, from now through Halloween, any child who visits a Patient First Neighborhood Medical Center will receive a safety blinker and Halloween safety tip card.  The blinking light may be attached to a child’s Halloween costume and can help increase visibility.

PACE YOURSELF

So this year was all treats and no tricks.  Great!  But that doesn’t mean your children have to eat it all in one night.  A belly ache is a bad way to end a fun night.  Share the wealth, and save some for tomorrow. The same goes for mom and dad handing out the treats at home.  And, make sure the kids brush their teeth before heading to bed to keep those pearly whites sparkling and free of cavities.