Healthy Halloween Tips for Kids and Parents from The Children's Aid Society's Triple Play Program

October 25, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ellen Lubell, The Children’s Aid Society, Boys & Girls Clubs of New York, 212-949-4938,
ellenl@childrensaidsociety.org
Emily Crossan, The Children’s Aid Society, Boys & Girls Clubs of New York, 917-286-1548,
emilyc@childrensaidsociety.org

NEW YORK, October 25, 2006 -- Halloween will soon be here, and little princesses, ghosts and goblins across New York City are eagerly preparing for the annual trick or treating tradition. It’s easy to overindulge on candy and other sweets, but The Children’s Aid Society’s “Triple Play” program provides tips for parents and kids to enjoy Halloween goodies and still maintain sensible eating habits.

Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body & Soul is a health and wellness initiative designed to empower young people to make informed decisions about their physical, mental and social well-being. The program focuses on improving Club members’ knowledge of healthy habits, good nutrition and physical fitness. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) collaborated with Boys & Girls Clubs of America on the nutrition component of Triple Play.

“Halloween begins the time of year when we need to remind ourselves to think about good health and nutrition,” says Dr. Lisa Handwerker, Medical Director, The Children’s Aid Society. “It’s easy to forget good eating habits during the holiday season. We want to remind children that they should try to make healthy choices all year long, although it’s all right to enjoy special treats in moderation.”

There are some simple steps kids and parents should keep in mind if they are consuming treats. One key piece of advice is to balance increased calorie consumption with extra physical activities.

Holly McPeak, nutrition advisor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, advises: “First, parents should set the example, by buying healthier treats to give out, including raisins, granola bars or trail mix. Portion-control packages are also available, including 100 calorie- packs of graham crackers and pretzels or individually-sized wrapped packets of microwave popcorn.”

“Young people need to eat a healthy dinner of lean protein, along with whole grains, fruits and vegetables early in the evening to give them energy for walking through the neighborhood,” says Handwerker. “They’ll be less likely to snack on candy as they trick or treat if they’re not hungry.”

Top Halloween Tips for Kids

1. Increase Physical Activity - If you know you’re going to be consuming more calories than usual, you need to increase your physical activity to make up for it. One hour of physical activity several days a week is recommended for young people.
2. Share the Wealth - Reduce the amount of candy that ends up at home after trick or treating is over. Share the extra candy with friends or family members. You might also donate extra candy to a shelter for children or other non-profit organization.
3. Reduce Portions - Eat a few small pieces and save the rest for later in the week or freeze some candy for later. That way you extend the treat into the days ahead.
4. Eat Only Your Favorites - Limit the number of candy bars or treats to your top Halloween favorite treats.

Top Halloween Tips for Parents

1. Balance Energy Intake - On Halloween Night, be sure and balance your children’s energy intake. Feed them a healthful meal before they go trick or treating.
2. Check the Treats - Check all treats for freshness and to be sure each item is properly wrapped. Don’t let your kids eat any homemade goodies unless you know the person who supplied it and discard any open or partially unwrapped candy.
3. Healthy Alternatives - Think about what you offer costumed children who come to your door. Individually-sized wrapped packets of microwave popcorn, dried fruit or nuts are alternatives to candy bars.
4. Physical Activity - Make sure your children engage in an hour a day of good physical activity to balance the additional candy intake.

About Triple Play
Triple Play, supported by The Coca-Cola Company and Kraft Foods, Inc., is the largest health and wellness endeavor ever undertaken by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The nutrition component of the program was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The Triple Play partners are working together to combat the country’s obesity epidemic and bring about positive change in the lives of our nation’s youth. Visit www.bgca.org for more information on Triple Play.