Child Care - Best Practices

Education and empowerment, rather than fear, are good strategies for protecting our kids. Having a healthy respect for bacteria and viruses and learning proper practices for hand washing and, distancing when necessary, will help children feel secure and safe.

The best health practices for kids (and adults) are play, fresh air, sunshine, exercise, wholesome food, clean water, learning, and plenty of sleep.

Avoid foods that may weaken the immune system: white sugar, unfiltered chlorinated water, and pesticide contaminated foods (see the Environmental Working Groups Dirty Dozen).

Children, like adults, thrive on a diet that is based mainly on whole foods: fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, beans and whole grains. Starchy foods and animal products digest in very different digestive secretions and are best eaten a separate meals to avoid excess mucous production.

two children reading a book with an adult

To fill nutritional gaps children will benefit from a good multivitamin that includes a full B complex, vitamin C (in winter), calcium, magnesium, and zinc. For children 4 and over who have difficulty with concentration, or for children prone to colds and flu, we recommend Bio-Strath, a whole food vitamin/mineral combination that improves focus and strengthens immunity.

Vitamin D is a very common deficiency in Canada. Even in summer very few children spend any time outside without sunscreen which inhibits the natural synthesis of D. The upper limits recommended by Health Canada are:

Infants 0-6 months 1,000 IU
Infants 7-12 months 1,500 IU*
Children 1-3 years 2,500 IU
Children 4-8 years 3,000 IU
Children and adults 9-70 4,000 IU

If you use drops for a dosage of 1,500 take 2,000 every 2^nd day. For a dosage of 2,500 take 3,000 every 2^nd day.

To nourish their developing brains, children need the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Regular consumption of fish, flax and hemp seeds and their oils will provide them through diet, otherwise there are children’s formulas specific to their needs.

Children are healthier and happier when there’s a good balance of healthy bacteria in their digestive tract. Make fermented foods a regular part of their diet and supplement intermittently with probiotics. Scientists estimate that 60% or more of human immune function is dependent on a healthy microbiome.

Numerous studies* have been done on the herbs astragalus, echinacea, and elderberry demonstrating their ability to improve immune function. There is a selection of products available that are formulated specifically for children. Manuka honey is another tasty way to sooth a sore throat and boost immunity.

If children learn about natural foods and natural remedies at an early age they will likely carry those great habits into adulthood. Parents that empower their children to be mindful of their health on every level, can enjoy watching their lives unfold as healthy fruitful members of their communities.

*Reference Nation Center for Biotechnical Information (NCBI)

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Healthy Habits For The New Year

By April Allen • December 23, 2025

The start of a new year can come with a lot of pressure to reset, overhaul, and become a 'better' version of yourself overnight. Traditional New Years' resolutions can feel motivating at first, but can quickly become overwhelming and restricting. Did you know that 88% of people fail their resolution within the first 2 weeks? It makes us wonder why. And we think that it's because they are rooted in an all-or-nothing mindset that doesn't leave room for life's unpredictability. And our resolutions are often things we think we SHOULD do (because of pressure from others, societal standards, etc.) and not things that we actually VALUE. It’s important to ensure you are enhancing your wellness in harmony with your surroundings and your reality. At Jo Anne's Place, we believe the new year is less about drastic change and more about gentle intention. A holistic approach to the new year invited you to build healthy habits that support your body, mind, and lifestyle at a pace that feels sustainable for you. Rather than chasing resolutions, this is an opportunity to tune in, reflect, and choose practices that truly support your long-term wellbeing. If setting goals is your thing, we support that! Just remember to keep them realistic and grounded in your values. If setting resolutions isn't for you, here are some gentler ways to step into the new year:

Thriving Through The Season: Our Tips to Stay Well During The Holidays

By April Allen • November 27, 2025

Feeling the Holiday pressure? In the midst of Winter’s chill and the Holiday rush, your own well-being deserves space to breathe. The natural world around us is slowing down, so why shouldn’t we? Winter invites us to turn inward, and it is especially important to support your mental health during these longer, darker days. Did you know that we, as Canadians, are more prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder due to our northern latitude, which results in less sunlight during the winter? The Holiday season can be equal parts joyful and overwhelming. Schedules get busy, routines slip, and we're surrounded by comfort foods and sweet treats. Between gatherings, travel, and to-do lists, our well-being can take a back seat. Here are some simple tips to keep you grounded, nourished, and feeling your best throughout the season: *These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels for contraindications and check with your pharmacist if you are on prescription drugs. These suggestions are based on over 40 years of customer experience at Jo Anne’s Place.