Don’t Be Spooked This Halloween

 

Each year on The PediaBlog, we review advice to help kids stay safe on Halloween. After two years of living through a global pandemic and with the community level of COVID-19 currently running in the low range, pediatricians everywhere expect that trick-or-treating will return in full force when the kids head out the door next week.

Allegheny Health Network issued a press release last week reminding everyone to stay safe while enjoying the sweet and (hopefully) not-too-spooky holiday:

“This year is a special one for our clinical teams as we can once again strongly encourage families and their children to participate in Halloween activities and trick-or-treating events to enjoy the season and spend time with their peers,” said Ned Ketyer, MD, pediatrician and communications advisor at the AHN Pediatric Institute. “Following approval of COVID-19 vaccinations in children older than five months, we have seen increasing rates of acceptance which provides an added layer of protection and mitigates community spread as we head into Halloween festivities and the upcoming holidays.”

However, AHN pediatricians maintain the importance of observing certain Halloween health and safety guidelines before children get into their favorite costumes and head out in their neighborhoods.

• Limit the amount of sugar kids each eat day: Although Halloween and sugar often go hand in hand, it’s important to keep moderation in mind, especially to avoid any stomach aches. Try to ration treats, keeping family guidelines realistic, consistent and positive and have a satisfying meal prior to Halloween festivities.

• Keep allergies in mind: Halloween can be one of the trickiest days of the year for children with food allergies. Be sure to read ingredient lists if your child has an allergy and consider offering non-edible goodies to trick-or-treaters and classmates like stickers or age-appropriate toys.

• Be cautious with decorative contact lenses: While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” getting decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss in extreme cases.

• Wash your hands before diving into the treats: Although we’re in a much better place than two years ago, the fall and winter seasons remain the start of flu season and an uptick in recorded COVID cases. It’s important to maintain proper hygiene when with friends, wash hands before eating and stay home if not feeling well.

• Be mindful of children who may have developmental delays: Some children may be nonverbal, or those who may look “too old,” could be developmentally delayed, for example.

 

“It’s important for pediatricians to reinforce critical safety precautions this Halloween. For instance, the AAP points out that cars on the road are the most common threat to trick-or-treaters,” continued Dr. Ketyer.

• Wear costumes that are bright and reflective, or use reflective tape on trick-or-treat bags

• Stick with outdoor trick-or-treating in small groups, with adult supervision for children under 12

• Know how to reduce your child’s risk of a pedestrian injury by remaining on well-lit streets and making eye contact with a driver before crossing

• Review with children how to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number if they ever have an accidental injury, emergency or become lost.

 

For more information and guidelines on a safe and happy Halloween, please visit pediablog.com. To make an appointment with AHN Pediatric Institute, go to pediatricalliance.com.

 

(Google Images)

 

source http://www.thepediablog.com/2022/10/26/dont-be-spooked-this-halloween/