By Town Crier Report

With spooky costumes and gooey treats, Halloween is a fun time for children. Pediatricians at Camino Medical Group (CMG) recommend these “tricks” for parents who want to keep their little ghouls and goblins safe on Halloween night and from overdoing it on candy.

Childhood obesity is a growing medical crisis, but it’s OK to let your children indulge a little bit.

Serve your kids a healthful dinner (before trick-or-treating), so they won’t be as tempted to eat candy before you have a chance to inspect it.

Parents should trick-or-treat with their children and all trick-or-treaters should have flashlights.

Carry a charged mobile phone in case of emergency.

Make sure your child’s costume is flame resistant and can be seen in the dark.

Swords, knives, fairy wands and other accessories should be flexible to prevent any injuries. Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider using makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.

Traffic and tripping hazards cause more serious harm on Halloween than tainted treats. Oversized shoes and costumes that drag on the ground are an invitation for injury.

Although candy tampering is rare, parents should still check all candy before allowing their children to eat.

Parents worry about a sugar high from candy, but the real culprit is the caffeine found in the many candies, especially chocolate.