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Safety first on Halloween, pointed objects have dulled edges.

Makeup can be an annual culprit of
spoiled Halloweens. Be sure it is hypoal-
discourages new, inexperienced drivers
from driving on Halloween.
Of course, everyone should obey traf-

advises ER physician lergenic, as it could cause those with

Your Turn
Dr. Glareh Imani
Guest columnist
Halloween is a fun time for families
and friends. Whether you’re shopping
for costumes, planning a party or mak-
ing a candy run to the store, are you
ready to provide a safe and healthy Hal-
loween?
Inexpensive healthy alternatives,
such as stickers, bubbles, crayons and
play dough, bring a fun twist to Hallow-
een treats. Trick-or-treaters — and their
parents — will appreciate waving glow
sticks and staying hydrated with juice
boxes and mini bottles of water as they
continue their candy quest. Raisins and
goldfish in factory-packaged snack bags
are other options.
Your child’s health isn’t limited to the
goodies they’re consuming.
A time-honored tradition is carving
pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns. If you
have small children in the house, con-
sider having them draw faces with
markers, then parents can do the carv-
ing. A glow stick or flashlight can be
used instead of a candle to light the
pumpkin.
When planning for costumes, avoid
masks if possible. If your child must
wear one, make sure it fits correctly,
does not obstruct vision and is well-
ventilated. Costume fabric, wigs and
beards should be made of flame-resis-
tant materials and not pose a tripping
hazard.
If a costume has an accessory, make
sure it is made from a flexible material
and that any knives, swords, wands or
sensitive skin to break out with rashes
and hives. Before going all-out, try test-
ing the makeup on a small area of your
child’s skin to determine if the makeup
will be safe. And remove all the makeup
before children go to bed to prevent skin
and eye irritation.
Cosmetic contact lenses are popular
with costumes, but they can actually
cause corneal abrasions, infection and
even vision loss.
While out trick-or-treating, kids
should stay in groups and smaller chil-
dren need to be accompanied by an
adult. Everyone should wear reflective
tape on their costumes and carry flash-
lights so they are easily visible to driv-
ers. Remind children and adults to put
down the electronic devices, keep their
heads up and walk, don’t run, across
streets.
The National Safety Council warns
drivers to watch for children walking on
roadways, medians and curbs, and to
enter and exit driveways carefully. It
fic signals and stay in crosswalks when
crossing streets. It is helpful to use
flashlights to improve visibility and re-
mind children to keep them pointed to-
wards the ground so as to not impede
the vision of other trick-or-treaters or
drivers.
Once home, all candy and treats
should be sorted by parents or respon-
sible adults. Be mindful of food allergies
and toss any candy or treats that are not
in sealed, factory packaging. It’s a good
idea to also dispose of homemade good-
ies.
The American College of Emergency
Physicians and the National Safety
Council offer a host of tips for a safer
Halloween.
Halloween is one of the most exciting
nights of the year. Make sure kids don’t
miss out due to an unnecessary injury or
upset tummy!
Dr. Glareh Imani is an emergency de-
partment physician at Abrazo West
Campus, 13677 W. McDowell Road,
Goodyear.

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