Cast a healthy and safe Halloween spell this year!

Witches and goblins may not be the only things creating nightmares this Halloween. Northern Health is advising parents and children to take some precautions when trick-or-treating on October 31st

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“The excitement of Halloween can be such a marvelous time for children,” said Denise Foucher, Northern Health Injury Prevention Coordinator. “A few simple safeguards can help parents and communities ensure that Halloween remains a safe and happy

experience for everyone.”

Try these tips to ensure a fun and healthy Halloween:

Child supervision

• If your child is nine or under, trick or treat with them, even in your own neighbourhood.

• If they’re over nine, they should still trick or treat with an adult and/or in a group with older responsible children.

• Staying at home? Make your home safe for trick-or-treaters. Clear objects off driveways, steps and your lawn. Turn on outside lights.

Street safety

• Walk, don’t run.

• Face traffic when walking - use the sidewalk and cross at street corners.

• Start on one side of the street and then walk to the other. Don’t dart from side to side.

• Slow down and be alert when driving.

Help children manage their treats

• Offer regular meals and snacks, including supper, before your children go trick-or-treating.

• Help your child manage their bag by sorting treats with them. Set amounts and times when treats can be eaten; for example, snacktime or lunch. Learning to manage treats is part of healthy eating.

• Offer milk with the candy to improve nutrition.

• Brush at least twice a day with less than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (still one of the best ways to protect against cavities). When brushing is not possible during the day, rinse with water or chew sugarless gum.