Dr. Warrier Talks About the Teal Pumpkin Project
Dr. Warrier was on WKYT’s morning program to discuss Halloween and the Teal Pumpkin Project.
Teal Pumpkin Project and Halloween Safety Tips
The Teal Pumpkin Project as a local food allergy awareness campaign; in 2014 it was launched nationally. The Teal Pumpkin Project “promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters” during Halloween events. Those participating can place a teal pumpkin or sign in front of their home to indicate they have non-food treats available.
Families of children who have food allergies can prepare for Halloween:
There’s a couple things parents can do to prepare:
- Don’t forget to bring emergency medications along.
- Talk to your child about waiting until the end of the night to eat their candy. This will help them stay safe along the route!
- Hold a candy swap at the end of the night to swap out candy your child can’t eat with some they can.
- Always read labels on candy.
- Offer non-food treats like glowsticks, stickers, bracelets, and other goodies to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project!
Other allergies or asthma triggers to be aware of during Halloween:
Yes, ragweed pollen counts are still holding on but will likely die down by the end of the month, however, depending on the weather, mold spore counts will be higher. Also, some houses go all out with decorations to make the night spookier, but beware of fog machines in poorly ventilated areas like in a Haunted House. They may trigger asthmatic symptoms.