Contact: Julie Toland, [email protected](806) 743-2160
TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE SAFE, HEALTHY HALLOWEEN
LUBBOCK -- It's the night of the year when children ages 5 to 14 are four times more likely to be killed while out walking, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, but Halloween doesn't have to give parents a scare.
Dr. Neal Patel of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's Department of Pediatrics said parents should take precautionary steps to prevent mishaps ranging from overindulging on candy to more serious accidents.
"As far as costumes are concerned, you want to make sure that it does not obstruct the child's vision," he said, noting that masks should be avoided. "You also want to make sure your sidewalk and front path is clear of toys or lawn ornaments to prevent falls."
Patel added that costumes should be flame-retardant and should fit properly. He also suggested adding reflective tape to children's costumes, as well as sending flashlights with the trick-or-treaters.
Another concern for parents on Halloween night is kids overindulging in sweet treats. Melonie Shay, nutritionist at Texas Tech Medical Center, says that despite popular belief, sugar does not cause hyperactivity in children The real culprit of hyperactivity is usually an exciting environment like a festival or party.
Sugar, however, does cause cavities. "The stickier a candy is, the longer it stays on the teeth making cavities more likely," she said.
Shay and Patel both recommend serving children a healthy dinner before they go trick-or-treating so they are less likely to fill up on candy. And rather than handing out candy, consider stickers, erasers, decorative shoelaces or alternative food items instead.
"Healthier options such as low-fat cracker packs with peanut butter or cheese, fortune cookies or sugar-free gum are still fun for kids," Shay added.
And, of course, parents should take the final step of checking treats for signs o
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