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The Good, The Bad, and YES, The Ugly!

Todays Health Article

Oct.3oth 2010

Todays Article has a reflection of the day before us. Although many may agree, and perhaps some will disagree on what might be written in this article. Our Holidays seem to always bring out the good in some folks, the bad in others, and the Ugly in a few. Now you may ask, where are you going with this, perhaps you have forgotten … not likely, but Halloween is here.

A Little History

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

It is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, whose original spelling was Samuin (pronounced sow-an or sow-in)”.^[1] The name is derived from Old Irish and means roughly “summer’s end”.^[1] A similar festival was held by the ancient Britons and is known as Calan Gaeaf (pronounced Kálan Gái av).

Snap-Apple Night by Daniel Maclise showing a Halloween party in Blarney, Ireland, in 1832. The young children on the right bob for apples. A couple in the center play a variant, which involves retrieving an apple hanging from a string. The couples at left play divination games.

The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the “lighter half” of the year and beginning of the “darker half”, and is sometimes^[2] regarded as the “Celtic New Year”.^[3]

The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the Otherworld became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. The family’s ancestors were honoured and invited home while harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm.

THE GOOD…

For most who celebrate this Holiday, take this time for family, friends, and neighbors. We always find time for short conversations to meet new people in the neighborhood. We have a great time with all the young children who visit our house, which is usually decorated in a friendly way, and also the various cute costumes. Our children drop by with their families, enjoying plenty of food and snacks to eat, and just enjoy one another’s company. I am sure most folks are just like I explained with their own little traditions that they find to do every year. We try to meet all the young folks through out the year, so they feel comfortable coming to our house as well. I just find that if you are responsible to others, they seem to follow by example, leaving some of problems that are faced with this day, somewhere else.

The Bad

The bad seems to come along with this day for some… just like the good, the Bad have their traditional way, under their definition of Trick or Treat. A night of mischievness and distruction, leading to acts that makes many parents on the alert for some neighborhoods, not being out late, and making sure to stay in lighted streets, caring flashlights, and walking in groups of people. Some folk are finding creative ways to harm our children, who in no way, have any idea they may find malicious materials in their goody bag. So unfortunately are children’s health could be at risk for these pranks.

Yes, The Ugly

To be honest,this is the part where we might just just want to cry out loud. For some this has and will be a night that will not be forgotten. It is the horror that may be brought to our love ones. Halloween night has all the stats you do not want to know, but should, to protect them. For the record here they are.

*58% of all highway fatalities on Halloween are a result of drunk driving

*The number of vehicle fatalities rise 30%

*Over half of non-intersection crossing pedestrian fatalities,involving children occur on Halloween

*Children fatalities are 4 times higher on Halloween, than any other day of the year.

*Children are more than 2 times likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween.

Today Health Comments

We all must do are part to have a safe and healthy Halloween. If you are driving, be aware of the road conditions and the children present. And if you have been drinking, be responsible, do not drive! This night can be enjoyed by all. Your health choices regarding your treats and beverages can be an example for all, if you choose to do so. To a safe and enjoyable Halloween.