Enjoy Physical Activity
Use trick-or-treat time and Halloween party activities to get your daily dose of physical activity. Children should get 60 minutes and adults should get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily.
“Trick-or-treating is a great way to get your kids to ‘unplug’ from TV, video games, and computers and get outside,” Dr. Fielding said.
Make Candy a Treat, Not a Whole Meal
According to the California Milk Processor Board and the California Dietetic Association, an average-size Jack-O-Lantern bucket fits about 250 pieces of small chocolate bars and candy, which adds up to 9,000 calories (4.5 times the recommended daily amount for a grown person), 200 grams of fat and 1,500 grams of sugar. Just eight mini-candy bars contain as much as 506 calories and 31 grams of fat. That is almost the equivalent of a quarter-pound cheeseburger (510 calories, 26 grams of fat).
“Moderation is the key,” Dr. Fielding said. “Children and adults can unconsciously eat an unhealthy amount of candy and more in one sitting. Taking it easy on the sweets and making sure that your kids do, too, is a great way to avoid consuming excessive calories and problems that can lead to tooth decay or other dental issues.”
Also, try to provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of raisins or pretzels. Alternative gifts, such as stickers, crayons or other inexpensive novelties, can be a great way to reward children.
When you get home from trick-or-treating, inspect all treats before eating them for choking hazards and tampering. When in doubt, throw it out. If you are throwing a party, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses, as well as non-alcoholic drinks.
Ensure Safety on the Streets
Avoid trick-or-treating alone, have children walk in groups or with a trusted adult. Decorate treat bags with reflective tape and have each child carry a flashlight so vehicle drivers can see them. Teach your kids to walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic, and to use designated crosswalks wherever possible.
Keep porches, walkways, and stairs well-lit and clear of candle-lit jack-o’-lanterns, luminaries, and other decorations that could trip people. Place jack-o’-lanterns on sturdy tables, keep them out of reach of pets and small children, and never leave candlelit jack-o’-lanterns unattended.
“Make sure your children know that they must not enter homes for treats,” Dr. Fielding said. “If you do not go along for the trick-or-treating, give your child a phone number where you can be quickly reached and show them how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.”
Plan Safe Costumes
Masks should fit the head so your child can see clearly. If your child wears face paint or make-up, test a small area of the skin before applying to make sure they do not have an allergic reaction to the make-up. Help children select costumes that are soft and fit well so they can avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls. Swords, knives, and similar costumes accessories should be short, soft, and flexible. Make sure costumes are flame- resistant. If colored contact lenses will be used as part of the costume, make sure to check with an eye doctor first. Never share contact lenses with another user.
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