Don't let Halloween creep you out this year!

Halloween activities shouldn't be a scary adventure for you or your children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics: "Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items."

Be sure to use a flashlight and reflective tape so vehicles and other people can see your trick-or-treaters. So your little monsters don't hurt themselves, make sure costumes are free of sharp edges, points and oversized appendages that make seeing or movement difficult. It also is important to ensure that face masks have large enough eye openings to see adequately, and wrap your mummies in warm layers under their costumes to avoid chills.

If you are considering hosting a Halloween party, take health and safety into account. Provide ghosts and goblins with healthier treat options than just candy. Try offering trail mixes, pretzels, fresh fruit or veggie trays. There are some great online resources like www.cookinglight.com or www.familyfun.go.com, which have healthful alternatives to traditional treats. You will be surprised how fast they magically disappear and don't reappear around the waistline. If Halloween is still weighing you down, try some party games, which can be fun and provide an opportunity to get that 60 minutes of daily play time into your schedule.

As always, trick-or-treat in a group or with a trusted adult and make sure all goblins are accounted for along your journey. And, whatever you do, do not enter homes of strangers.

Safe scaring.

• Kathi Amhrein is one of the 27 Board Certified Physicians at Carson Medical Group. She sees patients at 1200 N. Mountain St., Carson City (775-885-2229) and at 925 Ironwood Drive in Minden (775-782-5330).