Use common sense around Easter eggs

Ask a grocer what's the most popular item this weekend, and he or she is likely to have one answer:

Eggs.

Either that, or those yellow marshmallow chicks, or jelly beans, or gaily-covered chocolate eggs.

That's because eggs -- a sign of fertility associated with spring -- were traditionally given as gifts by the ancient Greeks, Persians and Chinese at spring festivals.

Moving forward to the Middle Ages, brightly colored eggs were popular springtime presents.

On Sunday, what is billed as the world's largest Easter egg hunt will take place in Homer, Ga., where some 150,000 eggs will be hidden, including 100 containing prizes.

Across the United States, so many eggs have been decorated that this coming week is designated as Egg Salad Week.

But if you do actually eat those eggs, make sure that egg has been properly stored to ensure safety.

According to safety expert Mr. No-No, there are plenty of other ways to ensure Easter egg safety for your family:

* Don't hide eggs near an electrical outlet or plugs.

* Don't hide eggs in light sockets.

* Don't hide eggs on, in, under or around glass.

* Keep eggs at or below eye level of the children.

* Keep count and track of the eggs you hid.

* Do not hide eggs in preexisting holes in the ground or trees.

* Do not hide eggs in foliage that has thorns, looks potentially dangerous or poisonous.

* Don't hide eggs in any animal's home, food bowl or play area.

* Don't put eggs anywhere pesticides or poisons may have been dispersed.

* Throw away any eggs that show cracks or damage.

Use some common sense, and you and the youngsters in your family will have a holiday to remember.