BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—As children prepare for trick-or-treating, a local health expert is advising parents to take proactive steps to ensure a safe and healthy Halloween.
Doug Schroer, DNP with the American Health Network in Hilliard, shared key safety recommendations, stressing the importance of setting clear expectations for candy consumption and meticulously checking food labels for allergens.
“It’s helpful to set expectations ahead of time,” Schroer said, suggesting parents agree on an appropriate amount of candy for the evening. He also advised reviewing labels before eating, especially for children with food allergies, and sticking only to commercially wrapped foods.
To accommodate special diets, Schroer recommends looking for homes participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which signals that allergy-friendly or non-edible treats like stickers and glow sticks are available.
Regarding costumes, the biggest safety concerns are face coverings that impede breathing and the potential for unsafe face paint. Schroer warned that some non-FDA-approved face paints can contain heavy metals like arsenic or lead, recommending a practice application a few days prior to check for skin reactions.
To prevent carving injuries, Schroer strongly advised against using sharp kitchen knives. “Only the adults should really be handling any of the sharp instruments,” he said, recommending the use of specialized, less-dangerous pumpkin carving kits and having children help by drawing or scooping.
Finally, Schroer reminded parents to remove small or hard-to-chew candies from a child’s collection, as they pose a serious choking hazard for small children.