The scariest part of Halloween may not be the haunted houses, horror movies, or spooky costumes, but rather the unexpected health and safety risks that can accompany the holiday.

On October 31st, about 3,200 Halloween-related injuries are treated in U.S. emergency departments each year. From pumpkin-carving mishaps and costume-related falls to food allergies and sugar spikes, Halloween can pose health and safety concerns that parents may not consider until a problem arises.

Dr. Danielle Madril, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of Florida offers these practical tips to help families enjoy a safe, healthy Halloween, without taking the fun out of trick-or-treating:

• Navigating Food Allergies:
• One in 13 kids have food allergies or intolerances. Parents are reminded to examine the label of all candies to ensure your child’s allergen isn’t present and are cautioned to not allow any home-baked goods or foods that are not commercially wrapped to be eaten. 
• It is important to keep in mind that mini or bite-size versions of candy might have different ingredients than their full-size versions. 
• Look for homes displaying teal pumpkins, which indicate participation in the Teal Pumpkin Project. The “Teal Pumpkin Project” created by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization suggests placing a teal-colored pumpkin out front signaling it contains allergy-friendly candy as well as non-edible treats like small toys or stickers. 
• Take a Balanced Approach to Candy:
• Start with a balanced meal before trick-or-treating so children aren't heading out hungry and filling up entirely on candy.
• Encourage moderation rather than making sweets completely off-limits. Establish reasonable expectations about how much candy children can enjoy.
•   With the increase in sugar intake in your child’s diet, it is also important to remind them to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste regularly and floss daily as well.
• Choose Costumes Carefully:
• For parents with children who wear face paint or makeup, it’s important to check out those ingredients as well. Harmful ingredients in face makeup can trigger allergies or cause problems like skin irritation. Some tips to help avoid toxic ingredients and possible skin reactions include avoiding makeup with heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, lead, and even arsenic. 
• To avoid infection from makeup, wash hands before applying and never share makeup with others. 
• Choose costumes that fit properly and don't drag on the ground, which can increase the risk of trips and falls. Avoid masks that obstruct vision. 
• Select bright costumes or add reflective tape and glow sticks to improve visibility, especially when trick-or-treating after dark.
• Preventing Common Halloween Injuries:
•  Adults should handle pumpkin carving with sharp tools, while younger children can decorate pumpkins without knives, such as using paint or markers.
• Children trick-or-treating on Halloween night should wear reflective accessories, walk with a group, and carry a flashlight. 
• Practice street safety: Cross at designated crosswalks, look both ways and remind children to avoid running between parked cars or into the street.