Leaderboard Banner

Watch for Halloween Dangers Around the Haunted House

by Nicole Dorsey Straff

Take a long moment to feel grateful this Halloween, and to go through all the Trick-or-Treat candy with care. Give half of it away as soon as you open the bag, and don’t let the kiddies talk you into keeping more than a chocolate bar or two. (If you work in an office, bring mints or flowers to place  on your desk instead.)

You may know all the expert tips but crushing sugar cravings,  the urge to kiss a few frogs, and many other dangers lurk outside this holiday season. With major ghoulies and goblins a- knocking  take our scary kid test: Can you tell the difference between the childrens’ candy [Photo Right] or the prescription medications that have spilled alongside?

Me either.

Pain Relief Centers in Pinellas Park, Florida, wants to warn parents of the potential dangers in their own home. Windex can be mistaken as a sports drink or M&Ms for cold medicine.

In a recent study presented to the American Academy of Pediatrics, two young scientists found only 71 percent of students could tell the difference between candy and over-the-counter medicine.

According the the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 90 percent of poisonings occur in the home.

Here are some tips to keep in mind during Halloween and every day of the year:
•    Use child-resistant packaging, remembering to secure containers after use
•    Keep chemicals and medicines locked up and out of sight
•    Watch young children closely while using cleaners or gardening products
•    Leave original labels on all products
•    Always take or dispense medications in a well-lit area to ensure proper dosage
•    Never refer to medicine as “candy”
•    Post the number for your local poison control center in a visible location

Happy Halloween, and be careful out there!

You may also like