smart treatment
All the treats without the tricks make Halloween fun for everyone.
Eat only factory-packaged treats. If you have any doubts about the safety of a treat, throw it away. Carrying psyllium around is one way to see and be seen as the night progresses, but did you know that the luminescent liquid inside psyllium is nearly non-toxic in small amounts? Please do not bite. Symptoms if ingested include mouth and throat irritation and vomiting. It’s a good idea to bring a flashlight. Children are very curious and will put many things into their mouths. When you mix up drugs and candy, Halloween goes from spooky to frightening. Practice safe storage of medicines. To avoid confusion with Halloween candy, keep all medicines and vitamins, including emergency supplies, out of reach and sight of children. Halloween can be difficult for children with food allergies. Parents: Always read labels (avoid unlabeled treats), carry an epinephrine auto-injector (if prescribed) and provide non-food treats, an initiative started by Food Allergy Research and Education Learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project®. As stickers, school supplies and small toys for children with allergies.
street smart
The scary fact is that, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. As a parent or caregiver, here are some important road rules to share with costumed pedestrians before heading outside.
Make sure you have your trick-or-treating safety supplies ready. Things like flashlights, reflective tape or strips on costumes and candy bags, and emergency contact information cards in case you get lost or separated from the group. Trick-or-treat as part of a large group with a responsible adult. To stay safe, walk on the sidewalk or on the edge of the road facing traffic whenever possible. Look both ways before crossing the road at a crosswalk or intersection. Walk rather than run between houses to avoid tripping or falling.
Things to note about costumes
Your little princess or goblin is itching to hit the trick-or-treat trail, but is their costume safe?
Do not wear decorative contact lenses without a prescription. Decorative lenses purchased without a prescription may not fit properly, making the outer layer of the eye more susceptible to scratches or causing ulcers (open ulcers) on the cornea, the transparent membrane that covers the front of the eye. There are things you can do. Instead of wearing a mask, it might be fun to paint your face. Before applying new cosmetics to your face, test for allergic reactions on a small area of your arm. To prevent skin and eye irritation, remove all makeup according to the manufacturer’s instructions before bed. Make sure your costume fits snugly to avoid blocking your vision and prevent trips and falls. Choose costume accessories that are short, soft (i.e. made of plastic or foam), and flexible.
Spread fun, not germs
Over the past few years, we’ve learned new ways to enjoy the holidays, and “always safe outdoors” has become the mantra for these holiday gatherings. Luckily, that’s easy to do on Halloween because trick-or-treating involves plenty of time spent outdoors. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely risk-free. Here are some tips for staying healthy this Halloween.
If you are sick, please stay home. If you are not feeling well, please skip the Halloween party. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Please use caution at crowded or indoor events. If you are hosting a celebration, consider options for improving ventilation in your home. This will help reduce viral particles in your home and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep your hands clean. If you go trick-or-treating, please bring hand sanitizer. If you’re handing out candy, wash your hands frequently.
And of course, the best way to protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses on Halloween (and every day) is to stay up-to-date on seasonal vaccines like the flu and COVID-19.
