Join

Put Your Child’s Halloween’s Candy Under an X-Ray Here

 

Halloween Cupcakes bought at Sam’s Club Woodbridge, VA 10/31/2014

Patient First is offering free safety blinkers at its medical centers to enhance visibility during trick-or-treating. Additionally, from October 27 to November 1, it will provide free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy, allowing parents to check for foreign objects.

Press Release:

Halloween is a time of fun and harmless frights, but parents shouldn’t have to worry about their children’s safety while trick-or-treating. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, Patient First is offering some important reminders, and a special service this Halloween season.

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating:

  • Know the route that your children will take if you do not go with them.
  • Younger children should go with adults. There should be at least one adult for every four children.
  • If possible, give your children a cell phone and check in with them during the evening.
  • Set a time for everyone to be home.
  • Make sure no one eats any treats until they have been inspected by an adult.
  • Wear bright clothing or reflective gear.

To keep your kids safe after dark, Patient First is offering free safety blinkers at each of our medical centers during the month of October (one per person, while supplies last). These blinking lights can be attached to Halloween costumes to improve visibility. Blinkers are available at the front desk of any Patient First location—no registration or medical care is required.

As an added precaution, Patient First will offer free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy. This fun service allows trick-or-treaters, to see what is inside their treats, like peanuts or other surprises. It also makes visiting the doctor’s office a positive experience, which can help reduce anxiety for future visits when they are sick or hurt.

X-ray imaging can also provide parents additional peace of mind about the treats their children receive by possibly detecting objects like metal, or other solid substances.* Parents still need to provide supervision since some foreign materials may not appear in X-rays.

Bring your bag of candy into any Patient First Neighborhood Medical Center from October 27th through November 1st between 6pm and 8pm for a free X-ray screening.

Recent Stories

This week on Potomac Local News, we’re bringing you the stories your neighbors are reading most—from school safety to major development plans in Stafford. Plus, we’re tracking the return of the Manassas Bee Festival, a critical REAL ID deadline, and local efforts to keep our parks and neighborhoods clean. Don’t forget to check out our latest podcast episodes and consider becoming a member to support original local journalism.

Authorities in Prince William and Stafford counties responded to a range of serious incidents in recent days, including the armed robbery of a 14-year-old in a Woodbridge shopping center, multiple business burglaries, and domestic assaults involving weapons. In Stafford, deputies investigated a string of public intoxication cases, a DUI involving a teenager, and multiple thefts from an ABC store—all reported on the same day. Several suspects were arrested on outstanding warrants, and one individual turned himself in while intoxicated, claiming it made the process easier.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident that occurred this morning at Lee Hill Elementary School after a handgun discharged inside a 3rd-grade classroom.

The Dumfries Town Council approved its 2025 events calendar during its April 1 meeting, finalizing several changes to the town’s lineup of annual events.

The New Dominion Choraliers

Have a Show-Stopping Concert in Store!

Join us on Saturday, May 3 or Sunday, May 4 as the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert with fun and fabulous songs straight from your favorite Broadway shows and Big Screen musicals. Selections from Pixar, Disney, and Rodgers and Hammerstein offer familiar tunes across the generations, as well as selections from Wicked, Les Miserables, The Greatest Showman, and more!

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.

Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.

Fitzgerald GMC Rockville

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening

You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!

Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list