Many kids and adults alike are super-excited for a spooky good time tomorrow night. But we should all keep in mind important safety tips before trick or treating begins.
My family and my kids especially are super excited about tomorrow night. But there are certain safety rules we always follow. Because Halloween is actually the most dangerous night out of the year for children. They are 4 times more likely to be struck by a car and killed. So every child needs to be visible at night either wearing light bright colors, glow sticks, or reflective tape on costumes. Please remind them to not dart out onto the road and not cross between parked cars. Only cross streets after looking both ways.
You need to be careful with face paint because studies have found lead in nearly 20% of products tested along with nearly 30% of the toxic chemical Cadmium. Lead is linked to behavioral and memory problems while Cadmium is linked to lung, breast and kidney cancer. While masks may seem like the safer option, there are some concerns so here are my Halloween prescriptions:
Partha’s RX
1. Make sure masks are the right size and don’t obstruct eyesight or the ability to breathe. The eyeholes should be large enough to see clearly so they can spot moving cars and other objects easier.
2. Costumes should fit well to avoid trip hazards and also be flame-retardant. Kids are excited and easily knock over pumpkins – so try using flashlights or battery-powered tea lights instead of candles.
3. Skip colored contact lenses unless they are FDA approved and sold by an FDA-approved vendor. Otherwise you could end up with an allergic reaction or an infection.
4. Don’t let your kids trick or treat alone. They should be with a responsible adult who carries a flashlight and cell phone in case of an emergency.
Candy is one of the best parts of Halloween and kids will be eager to dig in. Eating too much can cause stomach upset and candy-induced diarrhea. Make sure your child has a healthy dinner beforehand and always check candy for tampering before allowing your kids to eat treats in moderation.
