Kid’s Health & Vitamins

The A-B-C's of Vitamins.

It’s true, vitamins and minerals help kids in lots of ways – from the development of strong bones and muscles to protecting them from illness, even helping them to think and focus in school. There are many ways to ensure they get the vitamins and minerals they need.

• Make meals at home – Meals prepared at home can often retain their vitamins and minerals better than processed foods and they give families a chance to get together and talk about the day.
• Let children help with the grocery shopping – Encourage children to take part in grocery shopping for an opportunity to talk about healthy food choices. You can even make a game of it by giving them three or four items to find. It’s also a chance to talk about the importance of budgeting for the household.
• Introduce healthy snacks – It’s a great way to keep kids powered up between meals, especially after school or sports. Did we mention they taste good too? Carrot sticks or other fruits and veggies dipped in yogurt, peanut butter on celery or apples, a handful of nuts and raisins, even cheese sticks or unsweetened cereals are all great to munch on.
• Set the example – Time and money are the two greatest reasons people say they don’t eat healthy. But, with a little planning, it’s much easier than waiting until you’re hungry. Try to keep items that are good for you on hand and ready to eat – like peeling carrots, cutting up celery and apples, and slicing cheese. Packing it in snack-size bags makes it easy to grab and eat. You’ll find you’ll save money over pre-packaged or pre-made meals and snacks.

Yes, Vitamins Are Still a Great Idea

A daily vitamin can still be a great way to supplement the nutrients kids aren’t always able to get from the foods they eat. There are many to choose from – some are shaped like favorite cartoon characters, others come as gummies, chews and more, in a variety of flavors, too. Remember, vitamins are still medicine, so be sure to look on the labels for recommendations and daily dosage.

What They Need and What They Do

No matter how your child gets the vitamins they need, it’s important to know what they are and what they do to help the body grow. Something else for you to remember – a healthy diet can help kids feel fuller longer and that can go a long way in managing a healthy weight.

Vitamins from A to Z

Your Pamida Pharmacy staff is a great resource for information about the vitamins and minerals and their benefits. All you have to do is ask.