It's Halloween and we all know what that means–your kids will have a stockpile of chocolate and sugary treats. But just how bad is all that candy for your kid's teeth? And do you really know how many extra calories are kids adding to their diet from a 'handful' of goodies each day? As parents, we need to make healthy decisions for our children. The key is moderation.

Here are some tips for a healthy Halloween:

HARD/CHEWY CANDY vs CHOCOLATE TREATS: Dentists agree that hard candy such as suckers, Jolly Ranchers are chewy candies such as taffy are the most damaging to your child’s teeth. Typically, these treats take a long time to eat, which allows sugar to coat your teeth and lodge in the grooves. The result: cavities! A limited amount of chocolate is a better option for your teeth. Chocolate dissolves in your mouth instead of getting "stuck" in between your teeth as a caramel candy would. Chocolate also contains tannins, which aid in killing bacteria in the mouth.

CALORIES ADD UP QUICKLY: Some parents may automatically assume chocolate has more calories than hard or chewy candy but you may be surprised to know the calorie content is pretty comparable. A typical small taffy has about 40 calories, a box of Nerds has 60. Compare that with a 3 Musketeer, which has 63 calories. A snack-size Snickers has 80. As you can imagine, these treats add up quickly! You or your teenage could add a 1,000 extra calories to your daily diet by just eating a few handfuls a day. Keep in mind the American Dietetic Assoc. recommends the average teenage girl consume about 1,400 calories a day, 2,000 for the average teenage boy.

FOOD ALLERGY CONCERNS: If your child has food allergies you have to be careful because individually wrapped candy does not list ingredients on the wrapper. You may think a candy is safe, but it could have been made on the same equipment used to make cadies containing peanuts or milk. Allergy experts say if a product does not have a label, just avoid altogether. One tips for parents is to stock up on your child’s favorite allergy-free candies and swap out at home.

Have a safe, and healthy Halloween!

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

The sinking U.S. economy is keeping more and more people from sinking into slumber. According to a new survey from ComPsych Corporation- a provider of employee assistance programs - 92 percent of workers surveyed reported that economic worries are keeping them up at night, leading some employers to increase efforts to reassure their employees in these tough economic times.

Let’s take a look at employee’s top concerns:

1. 30 percent were kept up by the rising cost of living. Even though gas prices have receded from the nearly $4 a gallon we saw in July and some indicators show that manufacturing costs are falling, consumers were scared stiff by this summer’s rising prices. In July, the Consumer Price Index increased 5.6 percent- the biggest jump in 17 years. That’s enough to keep anyone awake.

2. 29 percent reported worrying about their credit card debt. According to the government, Americans owe about $900 billion in credit card debt. That’s a staggering number, so much so that several groups including the Consumer Federation of America have suggested the Fed allow lenders to reduce consumer’s debt by as much as 40 percent.

3. 14 percent said they were concerned about making mortgage payments. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, 4 million American homeowners were behind by at least one payment at the end of June and 500,000 were in the foreclosure process.

4. 13 percent were anxious about building retirement accounts. The tanking stock market has taken a toll on retirement plans. In the beginning of October, the government reported as much as $2 trillion had been lost due to market volatility. For Americans on the brink of retirement, that might mean putting in a few more years on the job.

There’s no question about it: the economy is scary right now. Even with the government’s proactive approach to helping struggling financial institutions, day-to-day finances are dominating people’s thoughts. While we’re likely to see some semblance of stability return to the markets, it might be long time before most Americans can again sleep soundly.

In fact, this holiday season you might be moved to revise some of your old favorites:

The employees were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of foreclosure danced in their heads.

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates today. That would be the ninth consecutive rate cut this year. Here's what this means to your wallet.

1) Tame your expectations

If you’re in the market for a loan today, the rate cut won’t mean very much to you. Of course when the Fed cuts the federal funds rate, that directly influences the prime rate. The prime rate right now is 4.5 percent. And that prime rate is the underlying index for most credit cards, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, and personal loans. But even though interest rates could fall to one percent, it doesn’t mean you’ll be reaping big reward. The good news is that the rate cut won’t necessarily hurt savers either. Rates on CDs have been stable for a while.

2) Shop around

Mortgage rates have been all over the place. Right now the 30 year fixed rate is at 6.28 percent. And  these rates are close to historic lows. So, the key is that you need to shop around. Check out small banks and credit unions if you are rejected for a loan from a bigger bank. That’s because smaller, more local banks don’t have the same kinds of problems on their balance sheets that bigger banks have. Of course no matter where you go, you will need a credit score of 720, and more realistically, a score of 750-780 to qualify for the best rates.

3) Watch the fine print

If you have a variable rate credit card, you probably won’t see much of a benefit from a rate cut. But you should be on the lookout for credit card companies switching you from a variable rate card to a fixed rate credit card. If this happens, you usually get 15 days of written notice and you may have the opportunity to opt out. Plus, a few credit card issuers have instituted what’s known as a credit card floor—it’s the interest rate your card can’t go past—despite how many interest rate cuts there are. And if you have a variable rate federal loan or a private student, chances are this rate cut won’t affect you very much either. In fact, Sallie Mae raised its interest rate on some private loans by two percent.

For more of Gerri's Top Tips, watch CNN weekdays at 11:15 am Eastern Time.

Even though the government is moving to bail out the U.S. economy, now suffering one of the worst financial crises since the Great Depression, big three-digit point swings in the stock market are still commonplace and unemployment numbers are going way up.

As of this week, the S&P 500 has dropped 285 points in October; its worst monthly point decline ever - that’s a drop of 42 percent in value since the beginning of the year. And, the jobless rate jumped to 6.1 percent in September, meaning more than three-quarters of a million jobs lost this year so far.

And as more companies are announcing layoffs - America’s largest home appliance maker Whirlpool just announced it’s cutting 5,000 jobs due to weak sales - the average American is getting even more nervous about his or her financial well-being. Anyone with a mutual fund or a 401(k) can’t help feeling jittery when all you hear on the nightly news is about the falling stock market.

Yet, with all the fears out there of a recession heading our way, millions of you are doing just fine. So, let’s take a look at what some of you are doing to weather the crisis:

1. If you’re a homeowner with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, you’re in good shape. You don’t have to worry about an adjustable rate that fluctuates with changing economic conditions.So make your standard payment, and take solace knowing that it will be the same for years to come.

2. If you have at least 6-months worth of cash savings in the bank, you’re in good shape. The more savings you have, the better. A nice little nest-egg can help you weather the economic storm, and makes good financial sense.

3. If you have a properly allocated retirement portfolio, you should be in good shape. Although drops in the stock market may be hitting your retirement account balance, if you’re wisely diversifying your investment portfolio between stocks, bonds and cash, and adjusting that ratio the closer you get to retirement, you should be okay.

4. If you have a job in this economy, hallelujah! Do everything you can to keep your job! Get close to your boss, be an expert at what you do, carry the company flag, and spend more face time at work. Above all, have a back up plan in case your job falls through.

We’re seeing tough economic times, but millions of Americans are getting by nevertheless. So, let’s take a cue from them and “recession-proof” your life: put away more money for savings, and excel at our jobs.

Good luck!

During the next couple of months, hunters all across the country will take their rifles and bows and head into the woods looking for wild game.
While you might think the biggest danger is getting hit by a stray bullet or arrow, experts say some hunters are more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.
Cardiologist Eric Good of the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center has some tips on protecting yourself during the hunting season:

1) Know your risk. Hunters with a history of heart problems should get a checkup before heading out into the woods. People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are at risk of developing heart attacks or heart rhythm disturbances when undergoing strenuous activities.

2) Try training. Start an exercise program with your doctor's permission before the season. Hiking several miles into the woods and dragging out your prey can be quite a workout.

3) Be prepared. Never hunt alone, always bring along a buddy and have an exit plan. Carry a cell phone if there is coverage in the area. A CB radio or walkie talkie might also come in handy if you need to call for help.

4) Know CPR and first aid. If someone collapses, knowing how and when to administer chest compressions could save a life.

Finally, Dr. Good cautions hunters about staying up late the night before a big outing and partying. He says too much alcohol and not enough sleep can put you at further risk for heart problems.

Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10am to 6pm ET weekdays.

Rising unemployment and fewer benefits—that’s just a small part of what employees can expect down the road. Here are tips on how you can hold onto your job and navigate those tough choices ahead.

1) Evaluate your options

Chrysler is the latest company to announce that it’s cutting 25 percent of its workforce and offering buyouts to its salaried workers. Here’s what you need to know before you accept a buyout: First, keep in mind that the goodies you’ll get to retire early probably won’t offset the drawbacks of spending fewer years at the office. But if your job at the company is in jeopardy, then it may be worth your while to accept the buyout. The risk is that if you don’t take it now, the option may not be there down the road.

2) Watch the 401(k) match

General Motors announced that it’s going to be suspending its 401(k) match for employees. This isn’t a new concept. The company also cut its match in 2005. And other companies like Charles Schwab, BF Goodrich and Goodyear also cut their matches in 2003. Bottom line here, if this happens to you—keep contributing to your 401(k), but you may want to start polishing up your resume. That’s a clear sign that your company is in serious trouble.

3) Be prepared

Keep your ears open regarding possible layoffs. Rumors often circulate around a company before layoffs occur. And while you’re at it keep up with industry news by reading newspapers, journals, and trade publications. This way, you’ll be ahead of the game. And you want to become more visible. Volunteer for projects. Do any inter-departmental cross-training you can. It will be hard to let you go if you do an essential chore. And don’t forget to maintain your contacts. Make it a point to set aside some time each day to reach out to colleagues in the field.

For more of Gerri's Top Tips, watch CNN weekdays at 11:15 am Eastern Time.

Teen drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue; one affecting a lot of families in America. In fact, there has been a 212 percent increase in 12- to 17-year olds abusing prescription drugs since 1992. So where do you think these teens are getting their drugs? Officials says some parents may be enabling their teens' dangerous habits.

Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) reports a third of teenagers are getting prescription drugs, mostly painkillers, from home—either given to them by a parent, or taking them straight from a parent’s medicine cabinet. Marijuana abuse has also become an issue. 25 percent of teens surveyed said they know a parent who uses marijuana, and about 10 percent of those parents are using the drug with their teenage kid.

So what needs to change to reverse this troubling trend? The answer may be as simple as re-engaging in your teen’s life.

Monitor teen whereabouts: Have your kids stay home on school nights and set realistic curfews. The CASA study found that 50 percent of teens who are allowed to stay out after 10 p.m. on school nights are using marijuana, alcohol or smoking cigarettes.

More family dinners: Studies show kids who have dinner with family five or more days/week are significantly less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.

Model healthy behaviors: Teens often look to parents as examples when setting boundaries in their own life. So don’t use drugs with your teen and don’t be afraid to talk about the dangers of drug abuse.

Safeguard prescription drugs: Keep painkillers and other prescription drugs in a place not assessible to your teen.

To read more about the CASA survey, click HERE

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

Issue #1 continues to be the economy. The latest CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows 61 percent of respondents believe the economy is their primary concern this election season. A big issue among voters who go to vote in the next couple of weeks will be taxes.

Both Barack Obama and John McCain want to keep the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, but Obama would let those cuts run out for the wealthy upper-income Americans. McCain disagrees, and says all Americans should keep their taxes reduced, including the wealthy - who the Republican presidential candidate believes can use that extra income to invest in businesses and jobs good for the economy.

So, they both agree on tax cuts for most Americans, but disagree on the details. That’s why the folks at the Tax Policy Center (a joint venture between the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, two non-partisan research groups in Washington, D.C.) have crunched the numbers and have come up with some updated projections of what your tax bill could like in 2009 with each candidate's tax plan. Here's a look:

1) If you’re in a lower tax bracket, you stand to see a bigger tax cut with Obama’s plan. For instance, if you make between $19,000 and $38,000 a year, McCain's plan gives you a tax break of $113, but Obama's plan gives a whopping $892 tax break.

2) If you’re in a higher tax bracket, you stand to see a bigger tax cut with McCain’s plan. For instance, if you make between $112,000 and $161,000 a year, McCain's plan now gives back more at $2,584, while Obama’s tax cut slows down to a mere $2,135.

3) If you make over $250,000 a year, your taxes will go up under Obama’s plan. McCain on the other hand wants to keep the Bush tax cuts for upper income earners.

So, there you go: most Americans will see cuts to their average tax bills with both their plans. The benefits with McCain's tax plan seem to grow with the more money you make, while the wealthy pay more under Obama's plan. Despite some differences between the two, there is the same downside to both plans: these tax cuts will only fuel an already large national deficit.

The Tax Policy Center estimates in 10 years, McCain's proposed tax plan could increase the deficit by as much as $7.4 trillion, and Obama's plan will increase it a little less - to about $5.9 trillion. In this time of financial crisis - where the government has instituted a stimulus package and is about to bailout big banks with stock purchases and buyouts of distressed assets - maybe the candidates should let Americans know we need some tax hikes to pay for all that. But, everyone knows that’s not how you get elected president in this country.

The financial crisis has grabbed voters attention less than two weeks before the presidential election – - but the real trouble – a deep recession – will linger long after the race for the White House ends. Here is what to expect.

1) Know what to expect

First, although an official recession has not been declared yet, about 70 percent of economists believe the country is either in a recession or heading toward one—that’s according to a recent Blue Chip Economic Indicator survey. Economists say that this recession is likely to be longer and deeper than the last two recessions we had that lasted only eight months. In fact, some experts say we could be in a recession for at least a year. And that would be the lengthiest downturn since 1981-1982.

2) Protect yourself

The number one thing you want to protect right now is your job. So, make sure you’re keeping your skills up to date. Work on high profile projects; maintain your contacts by joining professional groups and be visible. If you can, start setting aside some money just in case you have an emergency. In this kind of environment, you want as much cash on hand as you can. College graduates are going to be facing some tough times after they graduate, so make sure you keep your job search flexible in case it’s taking longer than expected to land your dream job. And don’t forget that there are people who will actually do well and benefit in this kind of environment.

For more of Gerri's Top Tips, tune into CNN weekdays at 11:15 am Eastern Time.

Does thinking about the economy have you down? Do you wince when you see a “Wall Street Journal?" Do you fear for the health of your favorite banker?

Well believe it or not, despite the economic meltdown and the now routine giant swings in the stock market (Wednesday’s massive sell-off marked the second biggest one-day point loss in history), there is actually some relatively good news coming down the pipe these days. Now remember, I said "relatively."

1) Oil is getting cheaper. On Thursday, oil dipped to the cheapest it’s been in 14 months and, after a summer of record high oil and gas prices, that’s a boon to the average consumer. On Wednesday, oil settled at $74.54 per barrel and last week Deutsche Bank issued a report suggesting oil may even fall as low as $60 a barrel. This is a double-edged sword, though: while it’s nice that it’ll be cheaper to fill your tank, oil prices are dropping because of producers’ worries about a global economic slowdown and decreased demand.

2) Prices didn’t rise in September. Bucking the upward trend for most of this year, consumer prices were flat in September. That’s because sinking gas, clothing, and car prices offset the jump in food and medical care prices. In August, prices even dipped. It’s a nice if short break for consumers. Again, though, there is a downside: weekly wages dropped 2.5 percent in September compared to a year ago, marking the 12th straight month in which wages sank.

3) Jobless claims declined. According to a report out on Thursday, fewer Americans filed new claimed for unemployment insurance than expected last week.  Claims also fell the week prior. Unfortunately, as ever, there is a bit of bad news here too: 2 weeks ago, jobless claims had spiked to the highest level since right after the attacks on September 11, 2001.

You have to take the good with the bad, I guess. Decreased production and falling prices indicate that we are indeed in the midst of an economic slowdown. But for now at least some of these stories indicate that hard-pressed consumers might be saving a couple of extra bucks here and there.