As the back-to-school season approaches, Nancy's Nifty Nook wants to remind parents about the importance of maintaining strong immune systems for their kids. In late August or early September, approximately two weeks before school starts, it is important to give them a boost.
Store owner Nancy Young provides recommendations on top-notch products and supplements that promote the well-being of children and their entire family.
Nancy emphasizes the year-round benefits of Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, and a high-quality multivitamin. She says, “While purchasing big brands from chain stores may save you money, compromising on quality is not worth it.” Instead, she advises parents to choose reputable brands such as Sisu, Omega Alpha, Natural Factors, Salus, Siku, All Kidz and Honibe, which offer excellent multivitamin options for kids. CanPrev and Orange are high-quality Toronto-based brands that have also earned Nancy's trust over the years.
When it comes to boosting the immune system, Nancy recommends Echinacea. She suggests administering it Monday to Friday, allowing the body's natural immunity to work without constant external support. Taking Echinacea full-time, without breaks, may hinder your own natural immune response.
Nancy explains that Elderberry acts as an antioxidant that can provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. It is often combined with Echinacea and comes in liquid, crystal, and gummy forms, making it easier for kids to consume. A customer favourite is St. Francis Herb Farm's Deep Immune for Kids. This product has been proven to effectively boost immunity.
Does your child have sleep problems, mood swings, headaches and stomach aches? Bach Flower Remedies, a popular homeopathic product is available in both an adult and kids' version that can be taken orally or added to a child’s water bottle for consumption throughout the day. Older children can opt for the pastille form or the regular Bach Flower Remedy. This supplement proves particularly beneficial for children who struggle to settle down at night.
For sleep-deprived kids (and parents!), Melatonin is another safe and popular product. It is recommended to start with a low dose of 1 mg and gradually increase, as needed. Nancy’s Nifty Nook carries a variety of brands.
Another essential nutrient that is often lacking even in a healthy diet is magnesium. To fulfill the body's over 300 needs, Nancy suggests Natural Calm Magnesium. It comes in a powder form that can be mixed into a drink, or kids can enjoy the gummy version. This versatile supplement aids in sleep, mood, concentration, energy, regular bowel movements, and even helps with headaches and migraines.
Great news! Natural Calm Gummies are now back in stock. These highly recommended natural supplements help kids settle down after a full day at school.
Focus and concentration issues? Nancy suggests taking an Omega-3 supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for our bodies but can only be obtained through food or supplements. They support good health maintenance, cardiovascular health, brain function and more.
Two specific natural products that may help are Efamol Efalex and EQUAZEN Chews. Efamol Efalex aids problem-solving abilities, concentration, focus, coordination, balance, and supports learning behaviours and disorders, including improving concentration levels in children and adolescents with ADHD. EQUAZEN Chews offer similar benefits and are backed by clinical research.
As always, it is recommended to discuss any treatment options with your health care or medical provider.
With the increased use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in schools, many parents are searching for a product to treat their kids' peeling and raw hands due to the stripping of natural oils from the skin. Dry and irritated skin with small cracks can trap germs, increasing the risk of infection. Soapopular is an alcohol-free foaming instant hand sanitizer that leaves the skin feeling soft and residue-free. Approved by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, this fragrance-free and hypoallergenic product has been a go-to recommendation for many years.
Back-to-school time does not have to be stressful, and with the right products, kids can stay healthy throughout the year.
Drop by Nancy's Nifty Nook, conveniently located at 152 Holland Street E., to stock up on items that will support your child's health and learning journey this school year.