As we gear up for a weekend of spooky fun, it’s important to keep the health and safety of our families—especially our little trick-or-treaters—a top priority. Whether you're taking your kids out for a night of candy collecting or letting them enjoy Halloween festivities with friends, here are a few health-focused tips to help ensure a memorable and safe celebration for everyone.

Sweet Treats, Safe Eats

With food allergies on the rise, it’s crucial to be mindful of the treats you hand out and the ones your kids receive. Consider offering non-food goodies or selecting candies labeled as allergy-friendly while avoiding common allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy. This small step can make a significant difference for those who need to avoid certain ingredients.

*Always be sure to check the ingredients list for allergen information before giving out or consuming candy, as ingredients can vary, and familiar brands may change their formulations.

Here are some allergy-friendly options:

• Non-Food Treats:

  • Stickers or temporary tattoos

  • Glow sticks, friendship bracelets, rings, or necklaces

  • Pencils, pens, crayons, or markers

  • Small toys like balls, bubbles, or playing cards

• Candy Options:

  • Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Bars – free from 14 common allergens

  • YumEarth Organic Lollipops or Gummies – free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy

  • Smarties – naturally free from nuts, dairy, and gluten

  • Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears – non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly

  • Free2b Sun Cups – nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free

  • Zollipops – sugar-free, allergy-friendly lollipops

  • Glee Gum – free from nuts, dairy, and gluten

  • Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears – free from gluten, nuts, and dairy

  • Skittles – most varieties are free of major allergens

  • Airheads – typically free of common allergens 

• Snack Options:

  • MadeGood Granola Bars – allergy-friendly and free from the top 8 allergens

  • Pirate’s Booty – gluten-free and made without peanuts or tree nuts

  • SkinnyPop Popcorn – dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free

  • Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks – free from artificial ingredients and allergens 

  • Enjoy Life Crunchy Mini Cookies – free from 14 common allergens

  • Bitsy’s Smart Crackers – nut-free, gluten-free, and made with organic ingredients

  • Barbara’s Puffins Cereal Packs – allergen-friendly, made without nuts, dairy, or soy

  • GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce – nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free

Costume Caution

While costumes are always fun, safety should be a top priority. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Fit Matters: Ensure costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls, and avoid long, flowing materials that can easily catch fire from candles or decorations.

• Visibility is Key: Choose brightly colored or reflective elements to enhance visibility in the dark. Equip your kids with flashlights or glow sticks and remind them to stay on sidewalks, use crosswalks, and be mindful of traffic during nighttime trick-or-treating.

• Choose Wisely: Avoid masks that restrict vision or breathing; opt for hypoallergenic makeup or face paint instead.

• Watch for Irritation: Be cautious of synthetic materials that may irritate sensitive skin. Treat any rash with gentle skin cream and consult a pharmacist if symptoms worsen.

Don’t Get Tricked: Check Your Candy

Before diving into the candy stash, take a moment to inspect each treat carefully. Discard any unwrapped or unfamiliar items to prevent exposure to potential contaminants or allergens. If you’re dealing with a food allergy, double-check the ingredient lists on packaged candies to avoid dangerous reactions. When in doubt, consult your allergist or pharmacist to ensure the safety of the treats.

Quick tips for inspecting treats:

• Check Packaging: Look for signs of tampering, such as ripped or unsealed packages. Discard anything that appears suspicious.

• Read Labels: Carefully examine ingredient labels for allergens, especially for those with specific dietary restrictions (nuts, dairy, gluten, etc.).

• Sort Treats: Create separate piles for safe treats, those with allergens, and suspicious items. Only allow kids to eat the treats in the safe pile.

Be Ready for Anything!

For kids with asthma or severe allergies, ensure that their inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector is readily available throughout the night. Keeping essential medications close at hand prepares you for any unexpected health concerns. Alto Pharmacy can assist with filling and refilling prescriptions, so you’re always ready for anything.

Ensure Medications Are Spook-Proof

Whether you're hosting a Halloween gathering or just have lots of little ones in the house, It’s crucial to ensure that all medications are stored safely. Keep all prescription and over-the-counter medications out of reach and locked away, especially if you have younger children. Remind older kids about the dangers of taking medication without adult supervision. If your child has specific medication needs, consider carrying a small pouch with their necessary medications and a clear label detailing their usage. This way, if any health concerns arise during celebrations, you can address them quickly and safely.

• Store Safely: Keep all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) out of reach and in locked cabinets to prevent accidental use.

• Child-Proof Containers: Use child-proof caps and containers for medications. Consider using a pill organizer with a locking mechanism.

• Education: Teach children the importance of not taking any medication without adult supervision and the dangers of consuming medications belonging to others.

• Supervised Administration: Always administer medications in a well-lit area and ensure children take the correct dosage as prescribed by their doctor.

  
  

Halloween is a time for fun, but staying mindful of health and safety ensures the night ends with happy memories, not unexpected health concerns. From all of us at Alto Pharmacy, we hope you have a healthy, fun holiday with your little goblins! 

Happy Halloween!