#WellnessWednesday - Healthy Alternatives to Halloween Candy

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Halloween is around the corner and while you may have already stocked up on candy to distribute this year perhaps you are still in the market for some other, healthy alternatives. See some of our recommendations below sure to make this year’s visitors leave not feeling tricked - but treated:

• Individually Wrapped Snacks - From Goldfish, to pretzel sticks, to crackers and cheese packs - there are an assortment of lunch box snacks that can double as Halloween handouts! Granola bars, trail mix, pudding cups - whichever you decide just be sure to choose foods that are individual wrapped.
• Coloring Page and Crayons - Purchase a Halloween coloring book and a box of crayons. Tear out the pages of the book and package each page with two crayons by folding around the paper and adding a ribbon to secure!
• Dollar Store Trinkets - Plastic spider rings, glow sticks, temporary tattoos, plastic vampire teeth, spooky stickers - the list is endless. Round up a bunch for trick or treaters to choose from!
• Boxed Juices or Water - Mini bottles of water and natural juice boxes can always be appreciated. Consider how thirsty kids can get while running around trick or treating, these are sure to be a welcomed treat.

Have any healthy alternatives you hand out each year? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

For kids (and parents too), Halloween is one of the best night's of the year. But as fun as it is to dress up and go out with friends and family to collect buckets of candy - trick-or-treating can also be dangerous if you aren't careful.

Take a look at some of these vital safety tips before venturing out this Halloween:

Pre-plan Your Route
Whether you are accompanying your kids or they're old enough to go out on their own, planning a route in advance is a big help. Trick or treating can take you several streets away from your house which can lead to sore legs and frustration. Stick to paths you and your child are familiar with to avoid getting lost. If your kids are going out on their own, have them check in regularly, by phone or by stopping back at home and make sure they do not deviate from the preplanned route.

Wear Comfortable Shoes
All that walking requires comfort. Girls should avoid heels to avoid discomfort. Make sure the shoes fit properly and shoelaces are tied as to not trip in the dark.

Hem Your Costume
Speaking of avoiding tripping, long costumes that drag on the ground can be dangerous. Make sure your child tries on the costume and it is at an appropriate length. Cut or hem anything that could make them fall.

Be Seen
Even though Daylight savings isn't until this weekend, it still gets dark pretty early. Apply reflective tape to your child's costume to make sure they are seen by drivers on the road. Carrying a flashlight is another great idea as well.

Make Sure YOU Can See
If a mask must be worn to complete a costume, make sure the holes for the eyes are large enough to clearly see both in front of you and out of the peripherals. You may need to cut the eye holes larger for more visibility. An alternative to a mask is using non-toxic make-up to complete the costume.

Use Flexible Props
If your child's costume involves a weapon, make sure it is rubber or plastic. Choose a prop that won't cause injury to your child or their friends.

Check Your Candy
After a fun night of trick-or-treating, parents be sure to check your child's candy as you sort through at the end of the night. Anything that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been opened, throw away. We'll be doing a candy need-to-know post in a few days so stay tuned!

Us here at Adelberg & Montalvan want to wish you and your family a very Happy and SAFE Halloween. Don't forget to bring in your candy from November 1st - 9th to participate in our candy buy back program for the troops!

Halloween Fun This Weekend

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

There's no reason to wait until All Hallow's Eve to have some Halloween fun! Enjoy this beautiful Fall weekend with the family and head out to one of the many Halloween events the Island has to offer:

RISE of the Jack O' Lanterns
Old Westbury Gardens: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury NY 11568
Fri - Sun, 7 - 10:30pm
Cost: $12-$20
Over 5,000 hand carved and illuminated Jack O’Lanterns light up the night, features the work of dozens of local artists and sculptors in a outdoor walk through experience, suitable for all ages, rain or shine! Tickets must be bought in advance.

Spooky Fest - The Woods are Haunted!
1 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre NY 11570
Fri - Sun, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Cost: Kids 12 and under - $10; Ages 13 and older - $15
CSTL's 5th Annual Spooky Fest is bigger than ever! Admission includes: a scary walk in the woods, the mystic den, a not-so-spooky walk in the woods, kids' craft area, live animals exhibit, and goody-bags for the first 200 children each night!

Scary Walk 4 Autism
Darkside Haunted House: 5184 Route 25A, Wading River NY 11933
Saturday, 1 - 5pm
Cost: $5
Children’s Halloween party, scary walk including an inflatable slide, bouncer, obstacle course inflatable, popcorn machine, proceeds benefit Justice 4 Autism, rain date Oct 20

Haunted Trail of Horrors
Middle Island Fire Department: 31 Arnold Dr., Middle Island NY 11953
Fri & Sat, 7:30 - 10:30pm
Cost: $10, Kids 7 and under are free
Middle Island Fire Department's 5th Annual Haunted Trail of Horrors! Follow a haunted trail - proceeds benefit the firehouse.

Let us know what your favorite Halloween spook walks are your favorite on our Facebook page!

Image Source: RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns