"Parents should ignore fake scares, relax, and help their kids enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween," says Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, President of the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH). Dr. Whelan and other ACSH health experts distinguish real -- as opposed to hyped and exaggerated -- concerns for parents this Halloween.

Dr. Whelan continues, stating these and other pointers:
* Parents should escort their young children on their trick-or-treating rounds.
* Be aware that masks may impede kids' ability to see traffic.

* If children have a substantial meal before setting out on their treat-gathering rounds, they'll be less likely to gorge on goodies.
* Prioritize. There's no need to be concerned about health problems being caused by flame retardants (one of the latest scares making the rounds) in ghost or goblin getups, for instance -- a greater risk would be a lack of such protection for flammable materials.

The American Council on Science and Health (at ACSH.org) is a non-partisan organization concerned with the promotion of sound science in health issues that affect Americans in the twenty-first century.

[Also be on the lookout for highly caffeinated candies intended for adults and sometimes labeled with promises of providing "energy." -Ed.]

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