Boy Scouts Of America Recognizes National Family and Children's Health Month
Nation's Leading Youth Organization Shares Helpful Tips
For Halloween
IRVING, TEXAS (Oct. 11, 2005) — This Halloween, more than 93
percent of children are expected to go trick-or-treating. Continuing its Good
Turn for America pledge of healthy living during October's National Family and
Children's Health Month, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the nation's leading
youth service organization, is sharing helpful tips for a safe and healthy
Halloween.
According to National Confectioners Association, this year's sales of sweets
are expected to reach $2.08 billion, a 2 percent increase from 2004 Halloween
candy sales, continuing Halloween's status as the candy industry's top-selling
holiday. This year, BSA is promoting a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the
Halloween season. There are several healthy ways to approach the Halloween
season, and in recognition of National Family and Children's Health Month, BSA
encourages Americans to visit
www.goodturnforamerica.org
for tips on enjoying a safe and healthy Halloween night.
"BSA has been dedicated to promoting a safe and healthy lifestyle among
American youth for 95 years," said Gloria Lundin, Occupational Health Nurse,
BSA. "Halloween is a long-celebrated American tradition that should be enjoyed
among families and children. The Boy Scouts are committed to ensuring a safe and
healthy lifestyle with its various safety, health and fitness merit badges. By
stressing overall well-being, we hope to encourage youth to adopt a safe
trick-or-treating experience and healthy eating habits."
BSA's recognition of National Family and Children's Health Month coincides
with the organization's support of U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona's
2005 agenda, "The Year of the Healthy Child," focusing on improving the body,
mind, and spirit of the growing child. According to Dr. Carmona, the health
needs of children grow into the health problems of adulthood. And, by improving
the holistic health of our children, we can ensure a healthier population for
the next generation.
Serving over 4.8 million young people between 7 and 20 years of age with 303
councils throughout the United States and its territories, the Boy Scouts of
America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and
values-based leadership training. For more information on BSA, please visit
www.scouting.org.
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