The Sunnyvale Sun

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Keeping kids safe on Halloween

By ERIN HUSSEY

With Halloween right around the corner, it is important that parents start safeguarding against accidental poisonings and rationing the amount of sweets children eat during the holidays.

Camino Medical Group pediatrician Dr.Tim Lee said, "Things that are small and colorful can be mistaken for candy."

Lee suggests parents keep vitamins and medicine locked away and out of reach of children. If you think your child has eaten something poisonous, the first number to call is the California Poison Action Line at 800.222.1222. Lee strongly suggests having the number posted on all household refrigerators.

Parents also need to check their children's Halloween trick-or-treating candy. "Make sure the candy is in its original packaging, there are no signs of tampering and the wrappers seem fairly new," said Lee. "Some candy has expiration dates, so check that as well."

Parents should accompany their children as they go door to door and watch that each piece of candy goes into their bag and not their pocket. Trick-or-treaters should stick to well-lit neighborhoods and homes.

Lee advises parents to limit the amount of candy a child eats.

"Parents need to take a larger role in rationing, especially with the obesity epidemic," he said. Lee said children should eat no more than one piece of candy a day.

Lee hopes parents will think about offering more healthy alternatives such as nuts, raisins or natural fruit bars when they decide what treat they will hand out on Oct. 31. "It helps mirror a better dietary decision," he said.

Regarding costume safety, Lee said small decorative objects should not be used due to the risk of choking, and face/body paint should be tested on the children's hand before it is placed elsewhere to avoid the possibility of rashes or irritations.