Released October 24, 2008
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - The idea of children eating enormous amounts of candy is pretty scary, says Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"Adults might consider some alternatives to lollipops and chocolate bars for little monsters, superheroes and princesses," she said.
Options include individually wrapped bags or boxes of pretzels, raisins or sugar-free gum and juice boxes. Non-edibles can be cool treats, including pencils, stickers, wash-off tattoos and rubbery worms and spiders.
McKinnon offers some advice for parents: "Limit trick-or-treating time to cut down on the amount of candy children bring home. Then substitute other activities for the remainder of the evening.
Sort through candy and toss out any with loose wrappings, says McKinnon. Let children select one or two treats Halloween night; store the rest out of sight.
Of course, parents must be concerned about more than candy on Halloween night.
McKinnon offers the following common-sense tips to help our little goblins have a safe Halloween experience:
- Be cautious of animals and strangers
- Carry a flashlight
- Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground
- Never go into a stranger's home; accept treats at the door only
- Stay in familiar neighborhoods
- Use face paint rather than a mask that might cover eyes
- Visit homes that have a porch light on
For more ideas about Halloween safety, talk with your county extension agent or visit http://www.uaex.edu.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/october2008/1024halloween_candy.htm
Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu
