Halloween Safety Tips: Free Candy X-rays

Discover Chiropractic believes that it is important to have a fun, but also safe Halloween.  One of the many concerns of parents relates to the safety of the candy that their kids bring home.  This year, Discover Chiropractic is doing their part to help re-assure parents that their trick-or-treaters will be as safe as possible.  Parents will be glad to hear that we will be offering FREE x-rays of candy and goods their children collect during Halloween.

Be sure to bring your trick-or-treaters to Discover Chiropractic on Friday October 31, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a free x-ray of their candy, and also enjoy treats and fun!

WHY IS DISCOVER CHIROPRACTIC DOING THIS?

Growing up, we have all heard the horror stories and concerns from our parents about some of the dangers that can be present while trick-or-treating, and in the treats that we gather.  There was always that story of the mean old lady down the street that would put needles and razor blades in the candy she handed out.  These fears not only concerned parents, but would also put a damper in any kid’s day thinking about what could happen to them on a night that should be fun and exciting.  We feel it is especially important that we all do our parts in making sure that night is fun, but also safe.

We have heard of local hospitals providing free x-rays to inspect candy goods for foreign objects in the past.  We have found that many parents choose not to use this option for many reasons, ranging from it being too crowded, not liking to be at a hospital, or it just being out of the way.  This year, we are blessed enough to be in the position to be able to provide this service for those who wish to participate.  At least this will give parents one more option if other options are not convenient.

WHAT CAN X-RAYING HALLOWEEN CANDY FIND?

X-rays provide a great way to inspect for foreign objects, especially metal materials, that may be hidden.  However, x-rays can not detect all possible signs of harm, including candy that has been tampered with chemicals, liquids, powders, other types of foreign substances, etc…It is important that parents keep an active role in their children’s health and education on these concerns.  Follow some of the tips below to make sure your kids stay safe and have fun on Halloween.

Halloween Candy Safety Tips:

• Examine candy wrappers carefully.
• Do not let your kids consume any candy before you inspect it.
• Pay attention to any foods that your kids may have allergies to.
• Discard candy with any punctures or tears in the wrapper.
• Discard candy with any sign of being unwrapped.
• Discard candy with wrappers that are discolored or faded.
• Discard any unwrapped candy.
• Discard candy from unknown manufacturers or sources.
• Discard home wrapped treats from unknown sources (cookies, popcorn, baked goods…).
• Inspect fruits for punctures.
• Discard fruits that are from an unknown source since toxins may not be visible.
• Keep control of the area your kids do their trick-or-treating, staying out of unfamiliar neighborhoods.
• Don’t forget about the local business or malls that provide safe avenues for young trick-or-treaters.
• Make sure kids brush their teeth after eating candy to help prevent cavities.
• Be the parent.  Take control of how much candy and how often your kids consume it as candy contains high volumes of sugar and other chemicals that are not intended to be consumed in high volumes and frequency.
• Make sure you kids don’t go trick-or-treating hungry to decrease the temptation to gorge.
• Once candy has been inspected, ration out an appropriate amount to consume and place the rest in an area that is out of reach and out of sight.

Halloween Safety Tips:

• Make sure your kids can safely walk through neighborhoods, especially when it gets dark.
• Carry a good flashlight, attach glow sticks or reflective lighting to kids’ costumes.
• Plan ahead and know the neighborhoods and routes before trick-or-treating.
• Travel in groups and do not walk in between parked cars.
• Never let kids go to the door alone.
• Never let kids go inside a home alone.
• Stay in well lit areas, as opposed to dark lawns or alleys.
• If crossing the street, cross at the crosswalks.
• Make sure masks are big enough to allow for as much peripheral vision as possible.
• Costumes should not be too long or big to prevent tripping and stumbling.
• Try to use flame proof materials for costumes; if homemade, make sure kids are careful around pumpkins or anything with candles.
• Be especially careful around sharp objects.
• Props such as displays with fake swords, pitch forks, knives, etc. should be made of a safe soft material.
• Keep your yard safe for other kids by keeping it clean, putting away bikes and toys, and keeping it well lit.
• Drivers should be cautious and drive slowly, especially through residential areas.
• Don’t let kids carry large bags, as the tendency is to carry more candy than they should.  Kids are susceptible to sprain or strain injures as well.  If you are concerned that your child may have been injured, don’t wait. See your doctor right away.