The howling scream echoes through the dimly lit hallway and sends a shiver down the spine of an innocent passerby. The shriek is from an unsuspecting adult stepping on the bathroom scale a few days after Halloween, the result of ghoulish calories and horrifying snacking habits creeping up like Freddy Krueger clutching a fresh bag of candy corn.

The frightening truth is that kids aren’t the only ones dipping into the treat bucket during October. It wouldn’t be so bad if the gobblin’ was limited to one night of indulgence. However, the reality is that Halloween has turned into a month-long festival that catches many children and adults clawing for devilish delights. If real life had a movie sound track, the scary music would start as soon as one took a second glance at the cupboard holding the secret stash of miniature Snickers(r) and Milky Way(r) bars reserved for Trick or Treat.

Some things just can’t be explained, especially around Halloween. How is it that ghostly sweets appear as if from nowhere and disappear almost as quickly? No one is watching when one of the candy-sprinkled donuts destined for the kid’s soccer practice mysteriously disappears on the way to field. There are no witnesses when the handful of Tootsie Rolls vanish from the office goodie jar.

Experts say the trick to good health is to not overdo the treats. “Letting your guard down a little to have some fun at Halloween is fine, as long as it is for a limited length of time,” said Sherry Iverson, R.N., executive director of the Idaho chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “The important thing is to have a plan that includes a return to healthy habits, including healthy eating and exercise.”

Talk about scary. The cost of obesity in the U.S. was more than $117 billion in 2000, which is $175 for every man, woman and child. About 300,000 premature deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity. While the statistics can be frightening, there is hope.

“The good news is that the a little education goes a long way in helping maintain a reasonable balance,” said Georganne Benjamin, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications for Regence BlueShield of Idaho. “Regence encourages Idahoans to take charge of their health by making smart decisions.”

Here are some common sense health tips for adults that even Dr. Frankenstein might appreciate.

Maintain a Healthy Diet–Since adults don’t have the metabolism of a ten year old, it’s probably best not to eat like one. Sometimes it’s tough to eat a well balanced diet, especially when faced with the seemingly endless temptations of Halloween party food. “A bowl of chili is the perfect fall meal because it’s packed with protein and low in fat,” said Iverson.

Snack Wisely. If the afternoon munchies turn you into a monster, be prepared with a healthy dose of cut-up vegetables or a low-fat yogurt. A caramel apple is a perfect pick-me-up, especially if you skip the caramel!

Drink Water. Halloween parties pack a lot of punch…and soda, too. Skip the sugary stuff and opt for good old H2O.

Exercise and keep moving. Your skeleton needs strong muscles to stay in shape. You’ll have more energy and feel better, too.

Plan Ahead. Zombies may zone out at Halloween parties, but you don’t have to. Think before you eat.

Be Reasonable. Go ahead, have a little spooky fun. Just remember that once the clock strikes midnight, the party is over…at least until Thanksgiving.

Benjamin, Georganne. Tricky halloween health tips for grown-up goblins. Blue Cross Blue Shield. 10/31/2009 http://www.bcbs.com/news/plans/tricky-halloween-health-tips.html.  .