Geisinger expert offers tips for healthy Halloween

Oct. 27, 2009, DANVILLE – With Halloween rapidly approaching, a Geisinger expert offers tips for parents to help create a safe and enjoyable night out for their children.

“Halloween is a fun holiday for children, and there are ways that parents can help ensure it is safe and healthy as well,” said Sharon Madalis, registered dietitian and clinical nutrition coordinator at Geisinger Medical Center.

Many treats children accumulate during the night are loaded with sugars and fats, so one of the most important things to do is to limit the amount of goodies children eat at once, Madalis said.

“Set guidelines for how much candy your child can eat immediately following trick-or-treating, as well as the days that follow,” said Madalis. “A hearty, healthy dinner before they set out on Halloween can help suppress their late-night appetite for sweets, as well.”

Before children leave, tell them they are not allowed to eat any candy until they return home, Madalis advised. When they return, ask to see their treats, and check everything in their bag before they eat. Remove any items that contain ingredients your child may be allergic to, such as peanuts, and for younger children, dispose of hard candies, gum or other choking hazards. Most importantly, with every child, look for wrappers or bags that appear to have been tampered with.

 “Do not let your child eat anything that appears to have been previously opened,” Madalis said. “Similarly, avoid letting your children eat homemade goodie-bags, fresh fruit or other unwrapped items unless you are absolutely certain it came from a trustworthy source. If your child forgets where it came from, throw it out.

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