Halloween 2020 will be extra spooky this year, with Oct. 31, 2020 falling on a Saturday PLUS a full moon. But the current pandemic plus the start of cold & flu season can leave some families torn on how to celebrate this year.
As a Clinical pharmacist with over 20 years of experience and specialization in immunology, I've been asked by parents for my thoughts on Trick-or-Treating in 2020.
Halloween is a fun event for adults and kids alike. And while we are concerned about cold, flu and COVID, it’s important to let kids be kids.
Kids' imagination and creativity and belief in who they are come from pretending to be someone different. And dressing up as a witch, pirate or superhero allows that opportunity for them to grow in self confidence.
Halloween is the one holiday we can pretend to be someone totally different. It’s also an opportunity to interact with our neighbors and the community in a positive and loving way.
One of the things that can impact our health and Immune system is how we perceive our self-worth and overall happiness.
Studies have shown pessimistic people or people with depression have a much higher chance of catching a cold then positive people do.*
Happiness equals Immune Strength.
Letting your children foster their imagination and express their inner superhero is one of the best things you can do for their health and wellness.
Yes, COVID is still a concern and high-risk individuals should take extra precautions. But children had been extremely resilient to COVID. It’s time we promote immune strength and let kids be kids again.*
It's important to recognize that spreading any virus is a serious concern for some families. So if you live in a neighborhood, consider organizing a system that allows neighbors to do what's best for their families and health as it relates to COVID.
The Orange Ribbon
One neighborhood in the Atlanta area established set hours (5:30-8:30pm) for trick or treating. A volunteer delivered orange ribbons to each house. An orange ribbon tied or attached to a tree or mailbox in front of their indicates that trick or treaters are welcome.
Homes that don't want visitors can simply discard the ribbon.
A simple system like this can allow families to enjoy Halloween this year in the way that is best for their families' health and well-being. Of course, there is also the old-school way of letting fellow parents know you are not open for trick or treaters by just turning off the front door light. Seems to work most of the time!
Stay Immune Strong
I think we can all agree, now more than ever before it is critical for us all to Stay Immune Strong! For more tips on staying immune strong, check out my Top Tips for Staying Immune Strong blog post with video and infographic.
And learn more about HybridCR Rapid Immune Defense and HybridEB+ Complete Elderberry Immune Support. These all natural, pharmacist formulated supplements designed to help you BE and STAY IMMUNE STRONG.
*Sources:
- https://abcnews.go.com/Health/ColdFlu/story
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2052297520300937
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html