Halloween is a fun night that is celebrated by families across communities. Perhaps you are looking forward to the spooky costumes and the haunted houses, or maybe you’re just excited to eat some candy. Whatever makes it a fun holiday for you, it’s essential to keep in mind the ways you can keep your kids safe and healthy this Halloween.
For some parents, the scariest part about Halloween is not the ghosts and ghouls, but the risk for illnesses and injuries that can occur during the night. Learn about some ways you and your family can enjoy a safe and healthy holiday, and visit AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl for quality and comprehensive children’s urgent care whenever you need it.
Hosting a Party? Remember to Practice Food Safety
Some of us have moved on from trick-or-treating, and may be planning to host a spooky party on Halloween night. Nothing is more fun than dressing up as your favorite movie character and celebrating the holiday with your friends and family. However, keep in mind that practicing food safety on Halloween night is as important as ever. Food safety refers to the practice of properly handling, preparing, and storing food to prevent foodborne illness. Make sure that your surfaces are sanitized and keep all perishable foods chilled before serving time.
Before your kids head out to start knocking on doors, remind them how important it is to practice food safety on Halloween night. They should be reminded to frequently wash their hands throughout the night– especially when snacking on any treats. Additionally, checking the expiration dates on their candy is an important strategy to avoid food-related illness.
Get Your Flu Shot Before Halloween Night!
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, begins to ramp up during October. During Halloween, we spend a lot of time in close contact with other families in the neighborhood. Although it may be fun to congregate with your community and celebrate the spooky holiday, it’s important to remember that colds and flu thrive during situations like these. You don’t have to miss out on trick-or-treating to avoid the flu, but you should plan to get your flu shot before Halloween night.
At AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl, everyone six months and older is able to get their flu shot with no appointment necessary. Getting vaccinated from the flu early is the best way to protect yourself– especially on Halloween night.
Tips to Avoid Trick-or-Treating Injuries
The last thing we want our kids to experience on Halloween is accidental injuries. Unfortunately, with the increased time spent outside at night, injuries are much more common on Halloween.
Some ways you can help prevent injuries from occurring include:
- Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating
- Remind kids to cross the street at crosswalks and look both ways
- Supervise pumpkin carving
- Carry a flashlight while trick-or-treating
- Wear bright colors that stand out in the dark
- Avoid flames and wear flame-resistant costumes
Though we do our best to prevent them, accidents happen. If you or any of your family members experience acute injuries on Halloween night, consider visiting the walk-in clinic at AFC Ken Caryl for quick and convenient injury treatment.
Visit AFC Ken Caryl for Family Urgent Care
Come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl for quality and compassionate family care this October. Our team of licensed healthcare providers specialize in children’s urgent care, making the walk-in clinic a great resource for you and your family. The clinic is open every day of the week, allowing those with the busiest schedules to prioritize their health throughout the fall and winter months.
Before celebrating Halloween this year, visit our urgent care center with no appointment necessary. If you have any additional questions about Halloween health and safety, call us directly at (720) 818-8010.
