How to Have a Safe and Healthy Halloween for your Diabetic Child
Halloween is supposed to be fun for any child. The dressing up, the knocking
on doors for candy and the pranks. However, it can be difficult for a diabetic
child since this is a holiday focused on candy. Here a few helpful hints to make
your child have a good time. Here are a few tips to make a safe and healthy
Halloween.
Type 1
- Be sure your child’s costume is not binding. Remember your child will be
excited and you don’t want them to stress further. Make sure they can see
through their mask. Better yet use make up so they have freedom. Also
make sure they have a small flashlight. - Determine how much candy your child can eat before going trick or
treating. You must discuss this with your child before going out. Make it fun
and decorate Ziploc bags to hold a predetermined amount of candy. This
should limit the amount of tension and headaches after Halloween. - Attend a Halloween Party. If you can find one to go to, offer to have one.
Not only do you get to make it safe and sane but you also can control what
foods are present. Make sure it offers plenty of games and physical
activity. With physical activity excess insulin is burned and more calories
can be consumed. - Have extra insulin on hand. Just in case your child loses control. This way
it won’t impact the holiday too much. - If your child is going to a party be sure to check with the host/hostess for
special dietary needs. Volunteer to provide healthy snacks, like fruit trays
or vegetable trays. Make them festive to fit in the Halloween theme. Even
offer the party giver you would like to help them.
Type 2
- Determine how much candy your child can eat before trick or treating. This
is crucial since medications can only to so much. Decorate snack size
Ziploc’s to divvy up the candy after and allow the child one per day. -
Host a Halloween party. Be sure to include games and activities. Make
sure the food is healthy and satisfying. The more activities the more
calories burned and a happier child. - Find a loose fitting costume without a mask. Make sure your child will have
fun and not be restricted in their movements. Determine the route you will
take and how long you will be out. Be sure to bring a sugar booster when
your little one’s sugar goes down.
-
If your child is invited to a party be sure to inform the host or hostess of
your child’s medical condition. Offer to bring diabetic friendly food to take
less stress off the host.
Try not to put too much stress and encourage them to make
some decisions on their own. In this way, both you and your
child will have a good time.
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By: Cindy Kimura
15th Edition October 2006