Get Healthy: Trick or treat, Carson City

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal’s Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.One week from today, ghosts, pumpkins, princesses and other costumed caperers will take to the streets around Carson City for Trick or Treat. Carson City Health and Human Services would like to share some helpful tips to make Halloween safe, healthy and enjoyable in our community.Tips for Trick or Treaters• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. There is safety in numbers. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.• Use flashlights so you can see where you are going and attach reflective tape to costumes and bags to help others see you.• Limit the amount of sugary treats you eat. Also, eat only factory-wrapped treats. Homemade treats offered by strangers may not be safe.• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use sidewalks and crosswalks wherever possible.• Wear costumes that fit properly to make sure that you don’t trip and fall.• Only trick-or-treat at houses that are well-lit. Do not go inside anyone’s house that you do not know.Tips for the community• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as crackers or fruit.• Be sure walkways and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls. • Keep candle-lit jack o’ lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended. • If you are driving, watch out for trick-or-treaters and drive safely. Mark your calendars: Don’t forget this weekend is Nevada Day. Come out and celebrate with us as we observe Nevada Statehood and join together to honor members of our military and their families. The Health Department will be in the parade and we hope to see you there. Carson City Healthand Human Services900 E. Long St.,Carson City.Call 775-887-2195.Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday; call for appointment.Well-child visits: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays.Men's clinic: 4-6 p.m. Mondays.Immunization Day: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. Thursdays.Douglas CountyCommunity Health1538 Highway 395 North (Corner of Spruce Street and Cemetery Lane).Call 775-782-9038.Clinic hours: 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.Monday is Immunization Day: No appointment needed, 1-4:30 p.m.