Kids need more calcium

Students at Deerfield Elementary follow daily calcium intake recommendations by drinking milk at lunch. A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Optimizing Bone Health and Calcium Intakes of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, said drinking four, eight to ten ounce glasses of milk provides adequate calcium for adolescents.

"When the bones are growing at a much faster rate it's important to get enough calcium through the diet so that your body has all the necessary building blocks to make strong bones," said Gayle Sherman, Lawrence Douglas County Health Department dietitian.

According to the report, children often trade milk for soft drinks or other beverages, so they don't get the calcium their bodies need.

Sherman said dairy products provide the best source of calcium including milk, yogurt and cheese. There are also some non-dairy options like apple and orange juice.