Candy: The Staple Treat of Halloween Festivities

A recent study has confirmed that candy and sweets have solidified their crucial role in the majority of Halloween celebrations across America. Halloween stands as one of the most significant and profitable periods for the confectionery and candy industry. In 2023 alone, the industry raked in over $6.4 billion nationwide, with the National Confectioners Association (NCA) leading the $48 billion confectionary sector. The NCA’s primary goal is to cultivate a candy-centric culture. Research conducted by the NCA has revealed that the average American is more inclined to purchase candy in October if it is Halloween-themed, prompting companies to shape their treats in forms like pumpkins, bats, and ghosts.

Chocolate and Candy Sharing Tradition

Findings from a recent survey conducted by the National Confectioners Association indicate that 94% of individuals share chocolate and candy with their friends and family during Halloween festivities. Additionally, more than half of all Americans kick off their Halloween candy consumption before October 31st. The association between candy and Halloween is so strong that leading up to October 31st, the average American consumes an extra teaspoon of added sugar daily.

Impact of Halloween Candy

John Downs, the president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, emphasized the significance of chocolate and candy during the Halloween season. He stated, “What would the Halloween season be without chocolate and candy? It is evident that Halloween candy has become a notable retail phenomenon in 2024, with consumer demand starting earlier in the year and extending celebrations well beyond October 31st. Regardless of how individuals choose to commemorate the occasion, chocolate and candy undeniably serve as a fun and distinctive focal point of American Halloween traditions.”

The essence of Halloween is incomplete without the presence of an array of candies and sweets. It is evident that these treats play a vital role in shaping the festive spirit and bringing joy to both children and adults alike. As Halloween approaches each year, the anticipation for delightful treats in Halloween-themed shapes only adds to the excitement and charm of this beloved holiday.

So, as Halloween draws near, it’s clear that candy holds a special place in the hearts of many, making it the official treat of the Halloween season.

The post Candy is the Official Treat of Halloween Season appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternative methods are used by people with cancer.

Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. Some patients may believe they are doomed to failure or that there is no way out. Some patients may feel nausea, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, or other symptoms.

Additionally, many conventional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Cancer patients often seek alternative therapies such as complementary medicine. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.

Cancer patients sometimes choose complementary medicine instead of chemotherapy because they think it will be easier to handle side effects. They might also prefer it for its lower cost.

There are also other reasons.

Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.

Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.

Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.

For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?

The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. This could save you time and money in the long-term.

What is the difference between holistic medicine and traditional medicine?

Traditional medicine tends to treat symptoms while holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine treats the whole person rather than just treating one aspect.

Traditional medicine treats specific organs and systems, such as the brain. Holistic medicine examines the whole body from the inside. It also considers how lifestyle choices can affect overall wellness.

Who uses alternative medicine instead of traditional medicine?

People use alternative medicine for many reasons:

They seek to avoid dangerous drugs and surgeries.
They believe natural remedies work more effectively.
They prefer non-invasive therapies.
They are looking to spend less.
Natural products make them feel safer.
They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
They want to take control of their health.
They want a healthier world.
They desire less stress in the lives of others.
They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
They want their child to receive a better educational experience.
They want healthy food for themselves and their family.
They are looking for safe and effective medication.

Who uses holistic healing?

Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. It addresses both the mental as well as physical aspects of well being.

Holistic medicine encompasses acupuncture and massage therapy, chiropractic treatment as well as nutritional counseling, yoga and other complementary therapies.

Holistic medicine is for people who have been diagnosed as having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression.

How safe are holistic medicines?

Holistic medicines are safe as they aren’t harmful drugs, but natural remedies that have been used for centuries by people who use them.

Many illnesses have been treated with them, including arthritis, chronic pain and asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes (heart disease), obesity, depression anxiety, stress, insomnia, infertility, and sexual dysfunction.

Millions of people across the globe who are suffering from different diseases use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy. acupuncture. chiropractic care. herbal treatments. massage therapy. Yoga, meditation. biofeedback. Nutrition, counseling. Physical fitness. exercise. These therapies are holistic and treat the person as a whole, not the symptoms.

Where can I find more information about holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that treats the whole person and not just one body part. It considers all aspects of a patient’s life, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine does not focus on treating the disease, but rather on healing.

Holistic medicine covers preventive measures like nutrition and exercise, as well treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis.

There are many options for holistic medicine.

Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Chiropractic medicine
Homeopathy
Herbalism
Naturopathy
Nutrition
Osteopathic medicine
Vedic medicine
Yoga

Statistics

A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)

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What are the four types of complementary and alternate medicine?

The four major categories of CAM are natural products, energy healing, manipulation therapies, mind-body medicine and natural products. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products can include herbs, vitamins and minerals, dietary supplement, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies can include physical manipulations such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and osteopathic/chiropractic care. Praying and visualization are two of the methods used to heal energy.

CAM is an umbrella term for various health practices outside traditional Western medical models. These practices vary widely regarding how much scientific evidence supports them, whether they involve drugs or surgery, and which conditions they treat. Some CAM doctors also provide diagnostic testing (e.g. Blood tests) and can prescribe medication. Others do neither.

There are several subcategories to each category that go beyond the four primary categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products are nutritional supplements, botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies, essential oils, probiotics, nutraceuticals, herbal preparations, medicinal plants, and teas. Manipulative therapies include manual, movement, traction, electrotherapies, cupping, stretching, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, orthopedics, and neurostimulation. There are spiritual healing modalities such as prayer and faith healing within energy healing.

Many CAM remedies treat symptoms, but don’t address the cause. However, CAM may provide relief for some chronic diseases. If used properly, CAM can be combined with conventional treatments.

There are many reasons people use CAM.

To improve their overall well-being.
To manage a specific condition.
To lessen pain and discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Some people turn to CAM because it offers more control over their health than conventional medicine. It may have fewer side effects. Others opt for CAM to avoid prescription medication. Some people prefer not to use pharmaceuticals. Many people also seek out CAM because of bad experiences with traditional medicine.

Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many people who use CAM ask questions about its safety and effectiveness. Others rely on word of mouth from friends and family members.

Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are happier and healthier than those who don’t. This holds true regardless of gender, age, race, religion, income level, occupation, insurance status or any other factors.

A majority of Americans have used some type of alternative or complementary medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.

According to the NCCIH estimate, 10% of the U.S. Population uses chiropractors.

The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. It recognized that physicians should “integrate scientifically valid complementary and alternative medicine into clinical practice…to meet patients ‘ needs and expectations.”5

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark document in 2007 called “Relaxing Contraints: Improving Access To Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” This report stated that there is no evidence that any specific CAM intervention is capable of curing, preventing, or treating cancer.

CAM continues its popularity despite the fact that it has been proven to be very popular. In 2008, CAM practitioners saw an 8 percent increase in number compared with 2007.

A recent study revealed that almost half of respondents use CAM as partof their primary healthcare regime.

CAM therapies can include natural products, mind/body practices, manipulative methods, energy healing techniques, exercise, dietary supplementation, and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture can, for example help with chronic back pain, anxiety and depression, improve immune function as well as promote weight loss.

Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for instance, originated over 5,000 years ago. This practice has been in China since antiquity.

TCM has remained an important component in health care even though it was not until the middle of 1800s that Western science became popular.

TCM is used for treatment by more than 70% of Americans today.

Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Around 5000 B.C., yoga was born in India. Yoga is now widely accepted worldwide.

Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can relieve stress, improve flexibility, and increase strength.

Even though there are limited scientific studies, yoga appears to have positive effects upon sleep33. This may make it useful for people suffering from insomnia.

Other CAM treatments, like meditation, homeopathy and aromatherapy are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medical practice.

One of the most used types of CAM is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines can include herbs, spices, plants, seeds and fruits as well as bark, leaves, roots, stems, and other medicinal substances.

They are often considered safer options to pharmaceutical drugs, and they are widely used by customers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society 45% of adults with cancer used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimates 60% of cancer patients use CAM. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

A recent study found that 51% of patients with cancer used at least one type or another of CAM.

However, only 8% of these individuals discussed this use with their physicians.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

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