The Fayette Citizen-HealthWise Page
Wednesday, October 28, 1998
Health Matters:
Halloween fun means safety

Ask children what they like best about Halloween and the answer is likely to be costumes and treats. But safety and visibility top parents' wish list. Neither has to be tricky if parents and children follow these suggestions from Dr. Scott Williamson and the American Optometric Association:

· Children want to be scary and spooky; parents want them to be seen. Fortunately says the association, make-up meets the specifications of both sides. Make-up offers children a safer, more natural view than that offered by masks, which may not fit well or have adequately-sized eye openings. With hypo-allergenic make-up in scary colors and a parent's help in make-up artistry, a child can have a customized disguise without hampering vision. Parents should take care to keep particles and applicators out of children's eyes.

· Costumes can be both frightful and visible if parents decorate them with iron- or sew-on retro-reflective fabric or tape or self-stick decals. Retro-reflective material is the most effective way to make children visible to drivers.

· Optometric studies show that people who wear reflective materal are visible to drivers even at speeds of 70 or 80 mph. By comparison, white material is visible only up to speeds of 50 mph. Be sure the material is placed so children are seen from the front, back and sides.

· If eyewear is needed for vision correction Dr. Scott Williamson says "it is important that you incorporate the eyewear in to the theme of the costume.": Dr. Williamson went on to say that for the truly adventurous or those who want to be unique, "Wesley Jensen has a new line of contacts called WILD EYES that truly fit into the Halloween Spirit."

· Adults can go even further to make Halloween safer for the younger set by making sure any holes in yards are filled, steps repaired and loose railings tightened. Porch or yard lights should also be turned on and property cleared of aby lawn equipment or other objects that might trip a young child.

· People who get behinf the wheel Halloween night should be extra vigilant when traveling neighborhood roads, the association says. Reduce speed and make sure windshield, headlights and mirros are clean. Drivers who have difficulty seeing at night should avoid driving on Halloween.

· Have an adult acompany trick-or-treaters. Be sure children walk on sidewalks or yards, not in the street. Look both ways carefully at street crossings and try to cross at corners with street lights if possible. A battery-operated light or lantern adds an extra measure of visiblity... and spookiness.

Halloween is a fun time for children yet it neet not scare the parents. The key is to see and be seen, says Dr. Williamson. And by following these suggestions, both parents and children can make Halloween the treat of a holiday it was meant to be.

Back to the Top of the PageBack to the HealthWise Home Page