Halloween Treats

As a pediatrician and a tennis player, I have acquired an excess of used tennis balls and an aversion to the candy orgy of Halloween. As my solution to both situations, I offered the choice of a tennis ball or a candy bar to the 180 trick or treaters. Ninety-five of 180 kids (53%) chose the tennis ball! Among the girls 15 of 60 (25%) chose the ball; among the boys 80 of 120 (67%) chose the ball. For most it was an agonizing choice! Next year I’m eliminating the candy option.

E. RICHARD STIEHM, MD, Santa Monica