The real dangers of Halloween are not from ghosts and goblins, but from falls and injuries that can steal the fun from what should be a memorable evening for children. Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake offers the following tips to help keep all the little wizards, pirates and princesses safe during the festivities.

Choose the right costume. Check to make certain the material is flame retardant and that your child’s vision won’t be obscured by any part of the costume. Make sure the costume isn’t too long to prevent tripping. If your child is wearing a hat, check to see that it won’t slip down over the eyes. Remember to add something reflective on your child’s clothing or have them carry a flashlight.

Stay together. Younger children should always have a responsible adult or older teenager with them while they trick or treat. A group of three or more is much safer than one. You may want to find an alternative to door-to-door trick or treating such as going to a mall or community event, or hosting a special Halloween party for your children and their friends.

Carve the pumpkin yourself. Children often want to help carve the jack-o-lantern, but little fingers and sharp objects don’t mix. Let your children draw the face on the pumpkin while you handle the carving. Your children may enjoy cleaning out the pumpkin and saving the seeds to bake for a snack.

Put safety first. Watch out for traffic, stay on the sidewalks and cross only at intersections. Only visit the houses of people you know and where an outside light is on. Check your child’s candy before they eat it. Throw away any open packages or homemade treats.

To learn more about how to have a hazard-free Halloween, visit DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/SafeHalloween.

Photo credit: Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Mammography is an important tool in the fight against breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, except for skin cancer. Approximately one in eight women may develop invasive breast cancer at some time during her life.

An annual screening mammogram doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is the only Certified Softer Mammogram Provider in East Dallas that uses the MammoPad^®, a soft foam cushion that decreases overall discomfort. The radiolucent breast cushion’s grip-like surface helps hold breast tissue in place to ensure optimal breast positioning, resulting in a better image. Clinical studies have shown that the MammoPad reduced breast pain by nearly 50 percent compared to what it would have been without a pad or pain medication.

We also use computer-aided detection (CAD) with mammograms. This system takes the digitized image of the breast and uses special software to look for problem areas such as calcification, masses or areas that are denser than surrounding tissue. When a problem area is detected, the computer highlights that area so the radiologist can take a closer look.

As an added bonus, patients who have a screening mammogram at the Women’s Imaging Center of Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake before December 31, 2013 will receive a free tote bag*. Women over age 40 can schedule their mammogram without a doctor’s referral. This type of mammogram does not take much time and only needs to be done once a year for women over 40, as recommended by the ACS, and every two years for women aged 50 to 74, as suggested by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Call 214-324-6220 to schedule your mammogram today.

*$6.00 retail value. No cash value. Offer good while supplies last. 

MammoPad is a registered trademark of Hologic, Inc.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com