BOO…10 Tips to Keep Halloween Safe

2018 • Patient Education

Only one third of parents talk to their kids about Halloween safety. And more than 10% of adults let kids age five and under trick-or-treat alone. Make sure your patients aren’t part of those SafeKids.org stats. Those are just a couple of reasons why this is an important time to remind parents about protecting their kids, including their vision, on Halloween.

Tip: If facial makeup is being applied, make sure anything near the eyes is hypoallergenic.

10%of parents let kids five and under trick-or-treat alone

To help, here are some tips that you can post on social media or in the office this week.

Communicate the dangers of decorative contacts. And, certainly share those concerns with parents.
Make sure their teens don’t ever share contact lenses.
Be sure kids’ costumes include a flashlight or glowstick to help them see where they’re going and what might be in the way.
To help others see them, iron or sew on a strip of reflective tape or affix reflective stickers to costumes.
Be sure face masks, hoods, scarves, etc., don’t impair vision.
If facial makeup is being applied, make sure anything near the eyes is hypoallergenic.
Toy swords and other objects can injure. Teach kids what’s OK and what is not.
Check costume labeling to insure all clothing is fire retardant.
Don’t let young ones out alone.
Say thanks but no thanks to treats that are not packaged and sealed.

Do you talk to parents in your practice about eye safety this time of year? If so, what’s the message that has the greatest impact? Tell us about it and share in the Facebook conversation here.