Have a heart healthy Halloween

Your kids have the perfect costume picked out and are anxiously awaiting October 31st to show the neighborhood. But ghouls, goblins, witches and werewolves should be the least of your worries this Halloween. Candy, sugar-sweetened beverages and other sweet treats should really take the cake for scariest Halloween traditions.

The issue of obesity continues to be a top health concern among parents. Across the U.S., about one-third of children and teens are considered overweight or obese. There is still more to do to help treat and prevent childhood obesity, which can lead to other serious health concerns, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and some types of cancer.

Don’t get spooked! The American Heart Association offers these tips for a healthier Halloween:

• Eat a healthy meal BEFORE trick-or-treating. This will deter the urge to "snack" along the way.
• Make the occasional about physical activity. Plan a route around the neighborhood and stick to it.
• Be that house. You know, the one that hands out boxes of yogurt covered raisins, single services of low-fat popcorn, low-salt pretzels or toys instead of candy.
• Pick the right size trick-or-treating bags. Skip the pillow case method and choose something moderate in size.

Here’s how to scare the “bad guys” away after your October 31 festivities:

• Avoid the urge to but on-sale candy in the grocery stores after Halloween.
• Portion candy to give kiddos one piece per day and always serve with a healthy snack.
• "Buy back" candy from your kids for money or other fun prizes, such as a day at the zoo.
• Be on the lookout for dentist offices that buy back candy from their clients.