By Gracie Bonds Staples
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What's scarier on Halloween than ghosts and goblins? The sugar high and added pounds that can come after.
Doctors say, the calories, fat and sugar in a typical bag of Halloween treats can hold 4,800 calories, 1 cup of fat and three cups of sugar.
Dr. Jim Fortenberry, pediatrician in chief at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, says parents can become fixated on tainted treats, but that isn't his primary concern.
"I worry more about injuries related to falls and motor vehicles, which remain the leading cause of injury to kids that night." Children ages 5-14 are more likely to be killed or injured while walking on Halloween than on any other evening of the year.
Add to that the long-term effect too much candy can have on children's weight, and you have far more than a bag of treats.
Trisha Hardy, a registered dietitian and director of child wellness at Children's, recommends parents set a limit on the amount of candy their little ghosts can eat and have a plan in place for what to do later with their bounty. "It sets the expectations beforehand, and you're not having that fight when you get home," she said.
