Bryn Mawr Hospital Pediatrician Offers Safety Tips for Halloween

From ghosts and goblins to candy and costumes, there’s no doubt that children everywhere are waiting in anticipation for their favorite spooky night of the year. Despite the fun of the tricks and treats of Halloween, it’s important for us to keep our children safe.

“Parents should carry flash lights, accompany young children while trick-or-treating and establish a set time for older children to return home,” says Jeffrey P. Bomze, MD, pediatrician, Bryn Mawr Hospital. “Costumes should be bright, reflective and flame resistant, and accessories, like swords, should have blunt ends. Also, be cautious of masks obstructing vision.”

Whether out in the neighborhood collecting treats, or staying home to give out candy, Dr. Bomze also gives these important tips:

• Teach children to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency
• Remove everything from porches and yards to avoid the potential of tripping
• Make sure outdoor lights are working
• Remove wet leaves from sidewalks
• Abide by traffic rules    
  

“It’s extremely important that a parent/guardian inspects their children’s candy before they start eating it,” adds Bomze. “Also, over-indulging in sweets is never good. Try to spread the treats out sparingly, perhaps one for dessert each night for a week, alongside a healthy food such as a piece of fruit.”

Also, remember that some children can’t eat candy. Giving out non-food items, like coloring books, pens and pencils, can also be a good idea. To celebrate diabetic children during the Halloween season, Bryn Mawr Hospital will be hosting their annual Halloween Candy Exchange on Friday, Nov. 1, from 5–7 p.m. in the Cafeteria of Bryn Mawr Hospital. The candy exchange is a fun-filled event for children ages four to 18 with Insulin Dependent Diabetes to exchange their Halloween candy for gift certificates, nutritious drinks, snacks and toys.

For more information about Halloween safety, and for information about the Bryn Mawr Hospital Halloween Candy Exchange, visit mainlinehealth.org.