Local Dentist encourages kids to earn some cash by giving up their candy for a good cause
Halloween is the time to collect as much candy as possible, while avoiding as many cavities as possible.
To get kids to rethink this sweet Halloween tradition, one local dentist is sponsoring a philanthropic and healthful program that encourages kids to ditch their candy, sweeten a soldier's day, and get paid for it.
Dr. Frederick Dreher, DDS, of Ballston Spa is sponsoring a Cash for Candy program this year for the fourth time. The program encourages children to limit or eliminate their candy intake by motivating them with cold hard cash. Kids can bring in their Halloween candy and receive $1 per pound in exchange for their goodies.
Dreher will then send the candy to the Glens Falls Armory, who ships care packages to local soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq along with a toothbrush of course. Kids are also encouraged to write a note or draw a picture to send with their candy.
"The plan is to get some candy away from kids," Laurie Bernard, Office Manager to Dr. Dreher, said.
The hope is that children will donate their candy and consequently eat less junk and lower their risk for cavities, obesity, diabetes and other health issues caused by a sweet tooth.
"They say the key to life is moderation. This is no different. There is nothing wrong with the kids having candy, but they usually have an over abundance. Limiting the consumption will not only reduce tooth decay, but will also contribute to their overall health. This is a concern, with childhood obesity and diabetes on the rise," Dreher said.
"There are lots of reason to not have kids pig out on candy," Bernard said.
But there is a difference between "pigging-out" and enjoying a reasonable serving of candy. Although Dreher and his staff encourage children to limit their intake and make a candy donation, they aren't telling children to stop eating sweets altogether.
"Telling anyone, especially kids, that you shouldn't have candy is never a good thing. Recent studies have shown that a moderate amount of dark chocolate can actually be beneficial, as can chewing gum with Xylitol in it after eating. Just remember - moderation and brush and floss after you indulge!" Dreher said.
And, according Dr. Dreher, he and his office staff are big supporters of the troops, which is why the exchange and donation program fits so perfectly for the team and their patients.
"We all appreciate the sacrifices that they make for us," she said.
Anyone can participate. Typically only 50 percent of the donations come from Dreher's patients.
To participate, bring your candy to Dr. Dreher's office located at 410 Rowland Street in Ballston Spa during one of the specified candy-drop off dates: November 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.thesmileguy.net or call (518) 885-6185.
To get kids to rethink this sweet Halloween tradition, one local dentist is sponsoring a philanthropic and healthful program that encourages kids to ditch their candy, sweeten a soldier's day, and get paid for it.
Dr. Frederick Dreher, DDS, of Ballston Spa is sponsoring a Cash for Candy program this year for the fourth time. The program encourages children to limit or eliminate their candy intake by motivating them with cold hard cash. Kids can bring in their Halloween candy and receive $1 per pound in exchange for their goodies.
Dreher will then send the candy to the Glens Falls Armory, who ships care packages to local soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq along with a toothbrush of course. Kids are also encouraged to write a note or draw a picture to send with their candy.
"The plan is to get some candy away from kids," Laurie Bernard, Office Manager to Dr. Dreher, said.
The hope is that children will donate their candy and consequently eat less junk and lower their risk for cavities, obesity, diabetes and other health issues caused by a sweet tooth.
"They say the key to life is moderation. This is no different. There is nothing wrong with the kids having candy, but they usually have an over abundance. Limiting the consumption will not only reduce tooth decay, but will also contribute to their overall health. This is a concern, with childhood obesity and diabetes on the rise," Dreher said.
"There are lots of reason to not have kids pig out on candy," Bernard said.
But there is a difference between "pigging-out" and enjoying a reasonable serving of candy. Although Dreher and his staff encourage children to limit their intake and make a candy donation, they aren't telling children to stop eating sweets altogether.
"Telling anyone, especially kids, that you shouldn't have candy is never a good thing. Recent studies have shown that a moderate amount of dark chocolate can actually be beneficial, as can chewing gum with Xylitol in it after eating. Just remember - moderation and brush and floss after you indulge!" Dreher said.
And, according Dr. Dreher, he and his office staff are big supporters of the troops, which is why the exchange and donation program fits so perfectly for the team and their patients.
"We all appreciate the sacrifices that they make for us," she said.
Anyone can participate. Typically only 50 percent of the donations come from Dreher's patients.
To participate, bring your candy to Dr. Dreher's office located at 410 Rowland Street in Ballston Spa during one of the specified candy-drop off dates: November 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.thesmileguy.net or call (518) 885-6185.
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