I worry most about pedestrian injuries on Halloween. In fact data from Safe Kids Worldwide finds that children are 2 times as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Eeeps! The news isn’t all bad though — a 2010 report found that in the emergency room doctors see more sports injuries on Halloween than they see Halloween ones. We just have to be smart about how our children enjoy the exciting day.
Quick Tips & Reminders For A Safe Halloween
Trick-o-Treating: Every child deserves and needs a sober adult supervisor. If your children are 13 years and up, consider letting them go out with a group of friends but have a route planned and a contract that they’ll call to check in every 1 hour or so– even if just with a quick text message.
Candy: Make a plan ahead of time for candy. Discuss how much they’ll have on October 31st and then how much each day thereafter. Don’t forget to employ the Switch Witch on November 5th to eradicate the candy battles from continuing 1 week after Halloween. If your child has a life-threatening allergy to any food I recommend there is a parent around with Epinephrine at all times while out. If your child has a diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes check out a list of carb counts for common candy.
Costumes: Costumes should –of course– still allow your child to see and move without causing them harm. Because getting hit by a car is a real risk when out and about on Halloween, ensure they are set up for success. If you’re thinking about colored contacts, read tips on selecting safe ones — who knew they were considered medical devices and thus regulated by the FDA? Whenever possible attach lights, LED add-ons, and reflectors so the rest of the world can see your child’s costume. Here’s more tips on safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
David Mohr says
Hi Dr.Wendy, there are too many antibiotics used today because patients are mis-informed about nutrition. I have most of my patients on Protandim and see outstanding results. Ask me how.