Tag Archives: Trick or Treat

The sun is generous in July. Its warmth feels like a blessing, an embrace after the cool gray months of winter. Many of us yearn for long afternoons at the park, music festivals in Fairmount, or cookouts where laughter carries far into the evening. But like all love stories, too much of a good thing can leave scars.

One of the most persistent myths in our communities is that deeper skin tones don’t suffer from sun damage. Melanin is a gift, yes it provides some protection against UV rays, but it is not invincibility. African Americans do develop skin cancer, and too often, it is discovered at later stages when treatment is more difficult. Why? Because the signs are overlooked or dismissed.

Sunscreen is not just for beaches in Florida or trips abroad, it is for our daily walk to work, our time waiting at the bus stop, our Saturday parade. A broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 should be part of every morning routine, right alongside brushing teeth or moisturizing. And we can think of it not as a strict rule, but as an act of tenderness toward ourselves. Protecting your skin, our largest organ, is a way of saying: “I intend to be here, I intend to thrive.”

Pair sunscreen with other acts of care. Wear wide-brimmed hats when tending a garden, wrap yourself in sunglasses to protect your eyes, drink water until your body sighs in relief. Our elders used to say the sun gives life, but it can take life too if not treated with respect. This balance, between light and protection is where health resides.

Summer should delight rather than endanger us. To embrace the season wisely is to honor the temple of our skin and shine in the light, not despite it, but because of the care we give ourselves.

Now, let’s talk about Halloween. It’s the one night of the year when it’s totally acceptable to dress up in a costume and ask strangers for candy. It’s like Uber Eats, but spookier and with more walking.

But here’s the thing about all that candy – it’s not exactly a nutritional powerhouse. Eating a whole bag of Halloween candy is like riding a sugar rollercoaster. You go up, you come down, and sometimes you feel a little queasy at the end.

So here’s my advice: be a little selective with your candy. Pick out your favorites and savor them. It’s like when you’re watching a really good TV show – you don’t binge-watch the whole season in one night, right? Okay, maybe you do, but you shouldn’t do that with candy.

And don’t forget to brush your teeth! Nothing says “I made poor life choices” quite like a hefty dentist bill. Plus, have you ever tried to dance with a toothache? Not fun, trust me.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Mondy, Halloween is all about the candy! How can I possibly enjoy it without going overboard?” Well, let me tell you, there are plenty of ways to have a spooktacular Halloween without turning into a sugar zombie.

First off, why not try some healthier Halloween treats? You could make ghost bananas by dipping bananas in yogurt and adding chocolate chip eyes. Or how about some clementine pumpkins? Just peel a clementine and stick a small piece of celery in the top for a stem. It’s cute, it’s festive, and it won’t make you feel like you need to run a marathon to burn it off.

And here’s a fun idea – why not start a new Halloween tradition? Instead of just collecting candy, how about a Halloween scavenger hunt? Hide Halloween-themed items around the house or yard and have the kids search for them. It’s like trick-or-treating, but with less sugar and more excitement. Plus, all that running around is great exercise!

For the adults, why not host a Halloween costume contest with healthy snacks? You could have witch’s fingers made from carrots with almond “nails”, or spider deviled eggs with olive spiders on top. It’s a great way to enjoy the fun of Halloween without the sugar overload.

And let’s talk about portion control. If you do end up with a big haul of candy, why not divide it up into small portions? Put a few pieces in little bags and spread them out over time. It’s like having a little bit of Halloween magic throughout the year, without the risk of turning into a sugar-crazed monster all at once.

Remember, it’s okay to enjoy some candy on Halloween. It’s all about balance. Maybe for every piece of candy, you eat a piece of fruit. Or you could do a Halloween dance party to burn off some of that sugar energy. Just imagine – the Monster Mash playing while you’re trying to work off that candy corn. Now that’s a workout I’d like to see!

And here’s a thought – why not use Halloween as an opportunity to teach kids about moderation and healthy choices? You could set up a “candy trading post” where kids can exchange some of their candy for small toys or privileges. It’s like the stock market, but with more chocolate and less stress.

Lastly, don’t forget about the Great Pumpkin! No, not the one from Charlie Brown, but the actual pumpkins. After Halloween, don’t just throw them away. Roast the seeds for a healthy snack, or use the pumpkin flesh to make a delicious soup. It’s like giving your jack-o’-lantern a second life as a nutritious meal.

So there you have it, folks. Halloween doesn’t have to be a sugar nightmare. With a little creativity and some healthy choices, you can have all the fun of Halloween without the sugar hangover. And remember, the best treat of all is taking care of yourself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go practice my “Thriller” dance moves. Happy Halloween, everyone!