In just a few short weeks, the streets will be filled with candy-seeking kids. Adults will be in costumes, residents are there to hand out treats, and business owners will parade smiling groups of kids. These and plenty more orange, spice-scented fall traditions will be taking place. All of which is part of a time-honored tradition known as Halloween. Some of our seasonal favorites, however, leave us more apt to injury or poor health. From a number of different angles. What’s more dangerous, though, isn’t those facts themselves, but our failure to identify potential health risks.
In order to keep your best interests in tact throughout the entire Halloween season, remember to keep these potential risks in mind. As well as practices to keep their effects at bay. No matter how serious or insignificant they might become.
Halloween Health Risks
Costume-Related Injuries
Many of these instances have been the start of funny remember-when stories throughout the years. Face paints that caused zits. Heavy accessories that brought on an aching back. Or maybe cardboard shoes that didn’t support half as well as their description outlined. Whether minor or serious, however, steps can be taken to avoid costume-caused ill health.
When choosing a character to dress up as, consider your options, along with potential health risks. Then ensure you will be comfortable and protected for as long as you choose to be in costume.
Shenanigans
Kids will pull pranks on Halloween. It’s inevitable. By expecting this fact, and then looking out for toilet paper in yards, water balloons splashed, or pumpkin guts spread across a road, you can avoid any potential side effects. Anywhere from a comical Scooby Doo-like fall, to something far more damaging.
Eating So Much Sugar
In short or long-term this can be dangerous. Candies are full of artificial flavors, chemicals, and of course, sugar. While consuming sparingly might do little to the body, while binges or frequent bouts can cause much deeper issues. Like slowing the digestive system, one’s metabolism, or throwing blood sugar out of whack.
A Serious Scare
When frightened, the body undergoes large amounts of stress. If taken too far, this can lead to something deeper, like high blood pressure or a weakened heart valve. Obviously these are extreme results, but ones that can build over time. Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about being scared into sickness.
Food Allergies
Parties are full of treats and fun dips, most of which are harm-free. However, one of the biggest trends with Halloween fare is to jazz up foods with dyes or other props. Making them look spookier than their original forms. With this transformation you should pay extra attention to ensure you’re not eating anything that might cause harm. Ask hosts for a quick ingredient rundown, or check labels thoroughly when purchasing from the store.
Dehydration
Along with types of foods, themed drinks are another holiday favorite. Both those that are made with booze and alcohol free. One thing they do have in common is that most are full of sugars. (Added with candy and you’re likely taking in more sweets than you even realize.) Remember to digest plenty of water the week of Halloween, or as any subsequent parties are taking place, to stay hydrated. And to help sugars flush through efficiently.
Personal Safety
There’s likely to be more going on than usual around Halloween, so stay on the lookout for your own health. Take precautionary measures into account, and avoid potentially dangerous situations. It’s a method that should be realized year round, and given additional attention during high-risk dates.