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Keeping Halloween Healthy
Tips for Safe Tricks and Treats
By Jessica Squazzo
Make sure to remove all makeup before going to bed. The FDA warns that wearing makeup too long can irritate the skin. Remove makeup the way the label says to. Report bad reactions to a product to the FDA (phone numbers are in the blue pages of the phone book under United States Government/Health and Human Services or on the FDA Web site).
The FDA warns consumers not to use decorative contact lenses without proper professional involvement. There are serious risks to using decorative contact lenses that are distributed without the involvement of an eye care professional, including eye injury and potential blindness, according to the FDA.
Parents should take extra care when choosing Halloween decorations. Make sure not to overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors, warns the LAFD.
The AAP recommends that parents remove anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. Remember to check outdoor lights and replace any burned-out bulbs. Sweep any wet leaves off sidewalks and steps.
Just like Mom said, make sure to sort and check all treats once your children return from trick-or-treating. "Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items," the AAP says. "Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies) are only given to those of an appropriate age."
The LAFD recommends discarding any homemade candy or baked goods. Fresh fruit should be washed thoroughly, inspected for holes, including small punctures and cut open before allowing children to eat it.
And why not try distributing a healthful treat? The AAP suggests purchasing non-food treats to give to trick-or-treaters such as coloring books or pens and pencils.