Seasonal health tips and reminders for a Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween from Monmouth County
Seasonal health tips and reminders
“Everyone should hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help them see and so that others can see them,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the county Health Department “Reminding children of some basic safety tips is one of the best things adults can do to help this Halloween.”
If your children are trick-or treating this Halloween, the county Health Department recommends that they walk in a group or with a trusted adult. Trick-or-treaters should walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic, use established crosswalks wherever possible and look both ways before crossing the street.
The county Health Department also recommends other keep healthy tips for the fall season:
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Be sure to keep your teeth healthy. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and drink fluoridated tap water to prevent tooth decay. Bacteria (germs) that naturally live in our mouths use sugar in food to make acids. Those acids can destroy the outside layer of the teeth and cause cavities that can lead to other oral problems. Cut down on sugary treats this Halloween.
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Wash your hands. It's best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If that's not possible, use alcohol-based hand rubs.
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Take steps to prevent the flu. The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each season once vaccine is available in your community. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. While the flu vaccine provides protection that lasts throughout the flu season, it does not protect against or cure the common cold.
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Be prepared for cold weather. Know how to prevent health problems and what to do if a cold-weather emergency arises.
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Protect your child or yourself during RSV season. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health problems, especially for young children and older adults. To help prevent the spread of RSV, people who have cold-like symptoms should cover their mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands often with soap and water for 15–20 seconds, avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others and refrain from kissing others.
For more health tips, log onto the Monmouth County Health Department Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com or log onto the Center for Disease Control Web site at www.cdc.gov for healthy Halloween information.