Gobble! Gobble! Thanksgiving time is near. Are you prepared to find the moves that groove you on the big day? Think about it…one word comes to mind when I think about Thanksgiving—TURKEY!  And lots of it! But, all turkey and no movement can be a bad thing; so, I’m here to help you create your own movement playground at home on Thanksgiving Day.

I’m sure Mom, Dad, and maybe even Grandma are in the kitchen prepping for the special meal.  There are lots of activities you can do in your own home to keep you busy and moving. My favorite part of the morning is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I love to grab lots of pillows and blankets and hunker down on the couch to watch the balloons and parade floats go through the streets of New York, while an apple pie bakes in the oven. Sometimes, I dance with the singers on the parade floats. Often times, it’s a hit artist playing my favorite song. I’ve even been known to belt out the lyrics too, until someone reminds me that I am not a singer, nor should I ever quit my day job and try to be one. Another thought while watching the parade is making use of the commercial breaks. Those three to four minute breaks are perfect for working on stretches to improve flexibility. Why not stretch your hamstrings, practice a straddle stretch, or reach over to touch your toes and hold that position until the commercial break is finished?  You could even use that commercial break for cardio. Run in place for those extra minutes and see how much better you feel.

If you happen to be assigned the job of “setting the table”, your movement playground might get more interesting.  Consider that table as your racecourse. You could turkey wobble around the perimeter of the table, do the mashed potato dance, or pretend you are a hunter chasing a turkey around the table. If you happen to grab a few napkins, you can make relay races and let the napkins be your markers. Skip to the first one, run to the second one, hop on one foot to the third one, etc… If you also happen to snatch a few cans of cranberry sauce, you can lift them to pump up your muscles (at least until it’s time to open them for dinner).

There comes a point when Mom and Dad may want you to explore outside and play. Take advantage of “no homework” and ride your bike for a bit around your driveway with your parent’s permission of course.  You could even keep the spirit of the day by picking up a jump rope and count your blessings with each jump.  While you are outside, examine the leaves.  Notice their shapes and try to copy those shapes with your body. Or, watch how the wind blows the leaves around, and let the wind blow your body around too. Maybe you might even find yourself kerplunk in a bunch of leaves…of course, then you may be given the job to rake those leaves back into the pile, but who cares? It’s fall, and the weather feels fantastic! Don’t let the turkeys get you down; get up and move, stretch and dance your way to the greatest Thanksgiving Day ever!

 

 Tips for your Trick or Treat walk 

• Travel in groups.  A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany children on their neighborhood rounds – stay with your group.
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries and a glow stick.
•  Stay on the sidewalk, never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Do not cross the street in the middle of the block or between parked cars – cross at a designated cross walk.
• Walk never run across the street.
• Look both ways before crossing  (a good rule for crossing is to look  left, then  right, then left again).
• Follow all traffic signals.
• Children should carry all important telephone numbers in case of emergency.  Emergency information can be secured discreetly within Halloween clothing or on an identification bracelet (name, address, phone number).
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
• Only go to houses that are well lit.
• Do not approach any pets that you are not familiar with.
• Children should remain in well populated places and not go into empty or deserted areas.
•  All parents and responsible parties should always know where their children are going.
• Children should never go home with a strange adult or another child.
• Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard while Trick or Treating

 Drivers 

• All drivers should always drive slowly and be alert for all Trick or Treaters .
• All drivers should watch for children in the street and be extra careful entering or exiting driveways.
• All drivers should be patient and careful not to pass another vehicle which may be slowing down for children in the road.
• Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.
• Don’t Drink and Drive.

 Costume Tips 

• Wear bright clothing which has reflective features and that is flame retardant.
• Do not wear any masks  or hats that obstruct or block your vision.
• Do not wear loose outfits, oversized shoes or shoes that you may trip and fall in. Comfortable shoes are the best choice.
• Do not wear any costumes that drag on the ground.

 Treat Tips

• All candy, fruit and treats should inspected by your parents or a responsible adult before eating or using anything.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats.  A responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, unsealed or suspicious items.
• Never eat unsealed or open food items, fruit  or open beverages that may be offered.
• Fruit is a healthy treat but only eat fruit given to you by your parents.  
• Consider healthy snacks for Trick or Treaters, like low fat and low sugar items in sealed packages, single servings of cheese and crackers, dried fruits, low salt and preservative free popcorns, mini-cereal boxes, UNICEF donations and other non food alternatives. ( ALL snacks should be store sealed).
• Do not give or accept items that have any possible safety hazards.
• Stay away from giving high sugar items, highly salted items, or hard candy that could break teeth or be a choking hazard.
• Don’t eat all the treats that night, space them out over time

 Other Halloween Tips 

• Be careful with all candles and keep them away from any flammable materials (e.g. curtains, paper, etc.).
• Pets may be fearful on Halloween-be careful to  protect them from all possible hazards and avoid giving them chocolate (see:  What not to feed your pets by Dr. Alison Birken)

 Have a Safe, Happy and Healthy Halloween