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By Lisa Parent

Safety preparation for trick or treating

Oct 27, 2023 | 2:46 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – On Tuesday, many children across Medicine Hat will take to the streets to fill their candy bags for Halloween. While this holiday can be a fun event for both kids, and houses giving out candy, there can also be risks involved

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Dr. Mila Luchak is a medical officer of health for the South Zone of Alberta Health Services. She offers health and safety tips for children and their parents for Halloween night.

“If parents feel that perhaps their children are old enough to go trick or treating on their own, just making sure that they still go in a group and that they’re aware of where their child is actually trick or treating and in what neighborhoods,” says Dr. Luchak.

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Luchak says children should be taught to only approach well lit houses and to never step into a strangers home.

Candy related risks can be avoided by checking that all candy is sealed before consuming. Children should never eat a homemade treat from strangers.

Dr. Luchak says colder weather can also be a safety issue.

“Making sure that parents and their children who are going out trick or treating dress for the weather, because as we know it’s starting to get colder. With the dropping temperatures just making sure that everyone is dressed appropriately and dressing in layers and if possible wearing the costume over top of those layers.”

Lastly, Luchak says it’s important to practice thorough dental hygiene in the weeks after Halloween, when children are consuming larger amounts of sugar.