Dr. Dorn of Baltimore Back and Pain Center suggests that you "prepare your child the day before Halloween." Talk about how much fun it will be to go trick-or-treating but not so much fun for their body if they eat a lot of candy. It's important for kids to learn that candy is a treat that should be eaten in small doses. Agree upon when the candy treat will be eaten. This helps your child learn that candy can be an occasional part of a healthy meal plan.
"It's not hard to make Halloween a healthy and fun event with just a bit of planning," continues Dr. Dorn. Candy is a big part of Halloween but it doesn't necessarily have to be the only part of Halloween. The fall season offers many wonderful opportunities for families to make healthy eating, nutrition and being active a priority. This Halloween plan for a healthy season that helps your children learn about healthy choices while forming a positive association with nutrition.
Make Halloween a time to be active as a family. The cooler weather that comes along with the fall season is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as a family. Take advantage of the beautiful foliage and collect orange, red and yellow leaves. Make a decorate wreath or paste leaves on construction paper to decorate the house. Visit a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch here in Maryland and pick your own apples, pumpkins and gourds. Many Baltimore area pumpkin patch locations have other activities such as corn mazes, haunted houses, and hay rides. Pack up some sandwiches and make a day of it! Join your kids and enjoy walking through the neighborhood or malls to look at Halloween decorations.
Have a happy and safe Halloween and watch out for all the witches, ghosts and goblins next week! And if you are in pain and in need of an evaluation or overdue for your next appointment, give our chiropractic office a call and get on the schedule at 410-662-4476.
