Halloween Health and Safety

Have a happy, safe, and healthy Halloween.

Make your Halloween festivities fun, safe, and healthy for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Move that body.

Don't be a stiff. Get at least 2½ hours of moderate physical activity a week. Ten minutes at a time is fine. Kids should get 60 minutes each day.

Treat yourself to fruits and veggies.

Be sure to watch your portions—especially on Halloween. Also, think fruits and veggies. They make a great healthy snack to serve for Halloween parties. Check out How to Eat Fruits and Vegetables to Help Manage Your Weight for tips, recipes, and more.

Say "boo" to the flu.

It's Halloween and the flu season is here! Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated each year provides the best protection against influenza throughout flu season.

Wash your hands, please.

There's no trick to keeping your hands clean to help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If that's not possible, use alcohol-based hand rubs.

Keep your fangs healthy.

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Floss every day. Don't go batty for sugary treats.

Sleep tight.

Sweet dreams! Sufficient sleep should be thought of as a "vital sign" of good health. That means 7 to 9 hours daily for adults.

Become a smoke-free creature of habit.

Smoking is very harmful to the body. Quitting is a treat for you and your loved ones, too. Make your Halloween activities smoke- and tobacco-free events.

Be prepared for chiiiiilly weather.

Be sure to dress warmly on Halloween and throughout fall and winter. Know other good tricks to stay healthy in cold weather. For instance, don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.

Get smart about antibiotics.

Don't be haunted by the wrong treatment! Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses like colds, most sore throats and bronchitis, and some ear infections. Unneeded antibiotics may lead to future antibiotic-resistant infections. Symptom relief might be the best treatment option. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for you and your family.

Prevent injuries.

Consider a nonfood treat for your loved ones this Halloween: a fun coloring book. Color Me Safe! from CDC tells the rhyming story of the "Safe Family," who take steps to protect themselves from injury at home, on the road, and at play.

More Information

• Halloween Health and Safety Tips
• Halloween The Healthy Way

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