CDC: Stay Healthy this Halloween

Every October, Halloween treats make their way around every workplace, and leftover trick-or-treat candy can haunt parents for weeks. While Halloween brings fall fun and excitement for people of all ages it’s important to look after your health.

The CDC has offered some tips for staying safe and healthy this Halloween, while still enjoying the holiday.

Keep active

It’s important to schedule in some exercise between get-togethers, trick or treating, and pumpkin carving. The CDC recommends getting in some cardio, such as taking a brisk fall walk, or heading to the gym for some strength training. Exercising regularly can keep one’s weight under control and protect against heart disease and certain cancers, as well as improving mental health and mood, while reducing the risk of mortality, according to the CDC.

Avoid filling up on junk food and sweets

Instead offer healthy alternatives as Halloween treats. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, for example, offering fruit and vegetables can allow your guests to fill up on healthy snacks rather than candy. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other key components for good health, according to the agency.

Keep teeth clean

Aside from affecting your waistline, sugary Halloween treats can lead to cavities. Make sure to have good oral hygiene and limit the amount of sugar you eat to reduce the risk of tooth decay this Halloween season. The CDC recommends brushing with toothpaste that contains fluoride every day to prevent cavities and the pain or infections that can result from them.

Light the way

When trick or treating on Halloween, make sure to prioritize your safety. Some CDC-recommended tips include remaining alert to passing cars, wearing reflective gear, walking in a group, and carrying a flashlight.

Scare sickness away

Another important way to stay healthy during Halloween is to protect against the flu. With get-togethers for both adults and children, it’s easy to spread germs. Flu can be prevented by washing your hands regularly and getting vaccinated to protect yourself and others from the flu. CDC officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine.

Sleep well

Halloween might be a busy holiday, but getting enough sleep is still important. Adults who don’t get a full 7-8 hours of quality sleep may wake up feeling like a zombie the next day. Studies show that not getting enough sleep is linked to Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, according to the CDC.

Smoke-free

Lastly, keep your Halloween activities tobacco-free, because smoking is already scary enough. The CDC notes that smoking can harm almost every organ in the body and leads to many preventable diseases in the feature.

The CDC recommends following all these tips to have a fun, safe, and healthy Halloween.

Reference

Seven Ways to Be Safe and Healthy This Halloween. CDC Features. Published October 16, 2018.https://www.cdc.gov/features/halloweenhealth/index.html. Accessed October 30, 2018.