Halloween candy can be damaging to kids’ teeth.

The scariest part of Halloween can be the candy
children gobble down afterwards. With many candies—such
as marshmallows, fruit chews and gummi bears—consisting
of almost 100 percent sugar, it is important to monitor
your child’s dental hygiene. “We need to focus on those
children who seem to be especially cavity-prone and attempt
to limit their sugar intake during holidays,” said Kari
Gould, dental hygienist at the University of Michigan
School of Dentistry. “From an overall health perspective,”
she continued, “it also makes sense for parents to limit
sugar intake and choose more nutritious snacks and foods.”
In an effort to fight cavities, she suggested children
brush at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
approved by the American Dental Association. Keeping kids’
teeth clean can help make their next trip to the dentist a
little less scary.

For more information, contact Jerry Mastey at (734)

615-1971 or [email protected]

Popular witch concept historically inaccurate.
One of the most popular Halloween images is the witch,
usually an ugly old hag, complete with a green face, warts,
black robe and accompanied by a black cat. However, the
modern-day image of a witch is not necessarily consistent
with witches of yore. According to Valerie Kivelson,
professor of history at the U-M, most “witches” who were
tried during Medieval times probably practiced no magic at
all, and would have defined themselves as Christians.
“Imagination and costume present a far more lurid picture
of witchcraft than the records of the actual trials,” said
Kivelson. But where did the popular icon come from?
Mostly from oral tradition and fairy tales, said Carol
Karlsen, U-M associate professor of history. “The color
black has long been synonymous with evil, and the cat comes
from the concept of animal companions, which have been
traditionally associated with witchcraft,” continued
Karlsen. “But we don’t know where the pointy hat comes
from.”

Contact Kivelson at (734) 763-2049 and Karlsen at

Get into the spirit with Halloween craft ideas.

Halloween crafts for children don’t have to be
complex, according to Anne DeMare, head teacher at the U-M
Children’s Center. They can be completed using items found
around the house. “A paper bag stuffed with newspaper and
tied at the top makes a great pumpkin, with a little orange
and green paint,” said DeMare. Give trick-or-treat bags a
festive twist by cutting sponges into spooky shapes and
dabbing them in paint to print designs on the bags. A
pealed apple, stuck on a craft stick and decorated with
eyes, a nose and a mouth, becomes a scary witch’s head when
allowed to dry. “Just add some black fabric for an outfit,
and you’re set,” added DeMare. With a little creativity,
and some Halloween spirit, it’s easy for children to create
fun and simple crafts.

Contact DeMare at (734) 763-6784.

Hospitalized children celebrate Halloween.

The children in C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at U-M
may not be able to spend Halloween running around their
neighborhood, but, thanks to the hospital and volunteers
from the U-M Dance Marathon organization, they will still
celebrate the holiday. The hospital will provide the
children with costumes, and on Oct. 27, volunteers will
escort the children around the hospital to trick-or-treat,
play games and win prizes. “I hope it gives the volunteers
a chance to meet the kids, and realize how much of an
impact the money we raise is going to have on them,” said
Rupal Shah, Family Relations Chair for Dance Marathon. U-M
Dance Marathon is a student-run organization which runs an
annual 30-hour dance marathon to benefit hospitalized
children and their families.

Contact Shah at [email protected] or (734) 615-1525.