Top 10 Health and Safety Tips for "Groan-Ups"

With spooky costumes and gooey treats, Halloween is a great time for kids of all ages. As the big day approaches, Children's Center at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento recommend these simple "tricks" for parents who want to keep their little ghouls and goblins from OD'ing on candy this year. There are also several things "groan-ups" can do to make Halloween as safe as possible.

1. Enjoy the Day

Childhood obesity is growing medical crisis but it's OK to let your kids indulge a little bit.

2. Fill 'em up

Serve your kids a healthy dinner (with foods they like) before trick-or-treating, so they won't be as tempted to eat candy before you have a chance to inspect it.

3. Safety First

Halloween night is no different when it comes to safety. Parents should trick-or-treat with young children at all times and all trick-or-treaters should have flashlights. Don't forget a charged mobile phone for emergencies.

4. Spooky but Safe Costumes

Before heading out the door make sure your child's costume is flame resistant and can be seen clearly in the dark. Swords, knives, fairy wands and other accessories should be flexible to prevent any accidental injuries. And because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider using makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.

5. Night Moves

When trick-or-treating, be sure you walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic. Also, don't zigzag back and forth across the street. And always look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.

6. When in Doubt, Throw it Out

Although candy tampering is rare, parents should still check all candy before allowing their kids to eat.

7. Sprains and Strains

Traffic and tripping hazards cause more serious harm on Halloween than tainted treats. Oversized shoes and costumes that drag the ground are an invitation for injury.

8. Be a Candy Monitor

Young children may choke on small candies. As a general rule of thumb, if it fits through a cardboard toilet paper tube, it's too small for a toddler.

9. Brush those Dracula Fangs

Make sure your kids brush their teeth and floss before bed. All that sugar can cause tooth decay. Your dentist will thank you.

10. Escape the Bellyache

Is there any danger in consuming too much candy? Besides the risks for cavities, eating too much candy can cause pain, nausea and vomiting. Although m any parents are worried about a "sugar-high" during Halloween, the real culprit is the caffeine found in many candies like chocolate.

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