I thought this article would be useful now so as you get the kids ready for Trick or Treating you will have time to plan your strategy for maximum fun, candy and safety.

Volunteering for Foundation 4 Heroes, I have been Scooby Doo, Nick Fury, The Punisher, a Ninja Turtle, Hulk Hogan, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Batman, Wolverine and Gene Simmons of KISS; but the year’s not over. Lol. You might say I know a little bit about costumes.

Halloween is an awesome holiday and a family favorite. You can dress up, have some fun in costume and even make an excuse to buy your favorite candy for the house. So in case not a lot of kids come by, you have a great treat for yourself. Well, and the family too, in moderation of course.

So as we get ready to have a blast Halloween Night, here are some things we can do to keep it a safe and fun holiday for our kids.

  • Make sure the costume allows your child to see properly and that it is not so long they could trip.
  • Check for local areas that offer a safe environment for Trick or Treating.
  • Travel in groups.
  • Visit neighborhoods you know.
  • Walk, don’t run, from house to house.
  • Go only to houses that are well-lit.
  • There is no need to go inside a house for treats.
  • Carry a flashlight, glow stick and/or a phone.
  • Parents can walk with their kids or follow them through the neighborhood.
  • Plan a route and stick to it.
  • Don’t cut through lawns or dark areas to get to the next house. Stay in well-lit areas. You could trip on something on the lawn.
  • Never eat candy without parental inspection. Make sure it is store bought and has not been tampered with.
  • Don’t accept rides from strangers. Ever! Make sure your kids know exactly who is picking them up.
  • Look out for one another by being cautious and observing for anyone acting weirdly or inappropriately.
  • Look before you cross streets or walk out from behind parked vehicles. There is increased traffic in terms of children and cars. Parents pay extra attention to the road.
  • Be careful passing parked vehicles in case they are letting excited kids out or someone is crossing excitedly.
  • Parents who park should turn on their hazard lights if they are waiting.
  • Please walk on driveways or sidewalks as you approach houses. People care for their lawns and gardens and there may be holes in the ground or objects that could make you fall and get hurt.
  • Parents should set up lawn decorations away from possible access points and ensure electrical cords are not a tripping hazard.
  • Determine if your kids are tricking or treating. Nothing ruins the night like having the phone ring after your kid gets caught throwing eggs or breaking a window. Pranks can be dangerous or damage property.
  • If your teen is headed out with their friends, keep tabs on where they are going. We were all young and know peer pressure and temptation has a bad outcome.
  • To search your area for registered sex offenders please go to these sites: http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/onlineservs/socem/default.shtml or http://www.familywatchdog.us/
  • Don’t let your pets eat any candy, especially chocolate.
  • Keep your pets inside as well. Some kids, and adults, have no respects for animals.

Halloween is a fun day for kids and some adults alike. Keep your little Minecraft, Superhero and Mario and Luigi kids safe. Let’s make it a day to remember and score some awesome treats.

Dr. Jay M. Lipoff is the owner of Back At Your Best Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, LLC, which is located in the Wildewood Shopping Center. Dr. Lipoff is also the author of “Back At Your Best; Balancing the Demands of Life With the Needs of Your Body.” It is available in book and Kindle format at Amazon.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University in 1990, a Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) from New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) in 1994 and he became a Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT) in 2005.

Dr. Lipoff is an Executive Board Member, International Chiropractic Association Council on Fitness and Sports Health Science; won the 2015 Arnold Schwarzenegger Legacy Award for his community work; has a radio segment: Back At Your Best in 5 Minutes or Less, President and Founder; Foundation 4 Heroes, Contributing writer; The Baynet, Huffington Post and SoMD News, Co-Founder, Drug Free Training USA; Member, NY Strength-promoting the importance of physical conditioning; Board Member of Public Relations Committee, Maryland Chiropractic For more information, go to www.BackAtYourBest.com, find us on facebook, or call 301-863-BEST (2378).