Forecasts are calling for snow in various parts of the state this weekend. Make sure you know how to stay safe and healthy in winter weather.
Many people will be celebrating Halloween this weekend. Below are some tips to make sure it's a healthy, fun holiday.
This Fact Sheet from the American Academy of Pediatrics
has a lot of great safety information -- from pumpkin carving to
costumes to actual trick-or-treating activities -- in simple bullet
points. US CDC and FDA have similar advice.
Check out these resources for additional information:
Costumes
When
purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame
Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch
fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should
extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize
the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid
costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves
or billowing skirts. For more safety information, read this US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Halloween Safety Alert.
Does your costume involve face paint or other makeup? Make sure you check out FDA's website on novelty makeup before you apply it.
Candy and Treats
These Halloween Food Safety Tips for Parents
include basic information about inspecting your children's candy and
not accepting anything that isn't commercially packaged. It also
describes how to avoid bacteria from apple cider and if you go bobbing
for apples.
Do you want to provide more nutritious treats? Here are some excellent ideas from Clemson University Cooperative Extension in South Carolina.
