Lane MOM | April / May 2024

COVER MOM

GRANOLA

A Very Sunriver Spring

Unfolding across 3,300 forested acres, Sunriver Resort is the Pacific Northwest’s treasured outpost for year-round adventure. Whether it’s cruising the 40 miles of paved bike paths, making a splash at the Cove Aquatic Center, playing one of our award-winning golf courses, or sharing a meal together at one of our premier dining outlets, Sunriver Resort will provide endless adventure for the whole family. This spring, create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

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Photos

meet the experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Motherhood

Journey to Motherhood with Emily Joy Tyde, page 6

Support

Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 10

Vacation

Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC, page 12

Smile

Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 8

Beyond the Bin

Beyond the Bin with Chad Ficek, page 9

Say Cheese

Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 20

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Erica Harmon, page 25

Focus

Focus on MOM with Dr. David Hackett, page 26

Editor’s Note

Publisher

Matthew Nelson, Active Media, Inc PO Box 672, Aurora OR 97002-0672 info@activemediausa.com

503-825-2100

Editor-in-Chief Managing Director

Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com

541-231-7250

Salem Advertising Representatives

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com

503-510-9036

Tina Toney tina@activemediausa.com

503-991-4547

Designer

Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com

MOM Magazine

is

by

Media,

The islands of childrearing

On a recent press proof day, as our graphic designer and I combed through oversized printouts of the magazine, I said to him, “I left my children home alone, asleep in their beds.” Before you call protective services, my kids are ages 14 and 16, and this was on a non-school day where they would sleep until noon. The novelty of leaving them alone had struck me as I locked the door on my way out. They could groggily roll out of bed and toast themselves a bagel or three. I had fully arrived in the Teenage Territories.

This kind of moment felt like a faraway country back when I was in diaperland. It’s precisely why I made note of it to our designer, who has two boys ages 4 and 8 and is still very much in the trenches. When my kids were young, I’d catch snippets from other parents who lived in magical lands where their kids could do things like buckle themselves into their car seats. How is that even possible? I’d wonder, while attempting to clip a stiff-as-board tantruming toddler into a five-point harness.

These stages with kids are like islands, starting with the Isle of Postpartum: it’s beautiful but with a constant fog overhead. The Toddler Islands are magical and filled with equal parts frustration and wonder. The Early Years Atolls are littered with brightly colored art and legos. The Adolescent Archipelago is a string of small islands that involves hopping back and forth between child and quasi-adult. Moms with kids of varying ages have to navigate sailing between them, which I picture as a minivan-shaped speed boat. Where I find myself now, in the Teenage Territories, there is autonomy for its citizens but it is still a protectorate of the Land of Adults. I can see in the far distance that we’ll soon hit the landfall of Emerging

Adult Island, which friends tell me is forested with trees of independence yet still plagued by weeds of worry. There’s more past this, but it stretches far beyond my horizon line.

Our time on each island is fleeting, and we’re launched to the next island, ready or not. One day you’re wiping butts, and the next buying them shaving cream. There’s also no going back to previous places, hence the unhelpful platitude to enjoy them while they are young. Once in a while, my husband and I get wistful and ponder what it would be like to go back in time to visit our kids’ babyhoods. We both agree that one day is all we’d need before remembering the bone-weary exhaustion that went with it.

I keep my ears open when parents with adult children talk about them, to prepare myself. I may not fully know what’s coming, but I know from where I’ve been that with each move, there’s a lot less gear to haul around — and a whole new world to explore.

Cheers,

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

Emily Joy Tyde, MS, LDM

oregonbirthandwellness.org

541-515-6556

890

PAIN RELIEF IN LABOR AND DELIVERY

The most widely used pain relief option in labor in the United States is epidural anesthesia. In studies comparing epidural pain relief with opiates, nitrous oxide, acupuncture, etc. epidurals score high in patient satisfaction. The epidural isn’t for everyone, though. There are common side effects, notably itchiness, drowsiness, shivering, fever, low blood pressure, longer labor, increased need for forceps or vacuum assisted delivery, and rare but serious side effects such as nerve injury, inability to urinate, and severe, long-lasting headaches.

Epidurals also limit how and where a mom may give birth. Since motor nerves are blocked with an epidural a mom can not walk or move about freely, which may be part of the mechanism by which labor progress slows with an epidural. Upright positions and movement in labor helps labor progress. Epidurals do create rare but overall increased risk of slowing the baby’s heart rate during labor, and seriously dropping the mom’s blood pressure in labor, so continuous fetal heart rate monitoring in a hospital environment is necessary. Currently, a labor coping tool used worldwide holds some advantages over an epidural, although it is less effective as a pain relief agent: nitrous oxide. It is the same inhaled gas your dentist uses to reduce anxiety during dental procedures, and it is short-acting, does not paralyze motor nerves so moms can still move and change positions to aid labor progress as needed, and is self administered through inhalation, so moms remain in charge of their experience. However, it does not truly relieve pain, rather it temporarily dulls the senses and relieves anxiety.

For those moms who want to minimize side effects and the risk of interventions, but still want some pain relief, laboring and giving birth in water provides unique benefits without the risk associated with epidurals. Laboring in water is associated with high rates of maternal satisfaction with the labor process overall, decreased pain, reduced rates of slowed labor or the need for Pitocin to augment a slow labor. Water births also have lower cesarean section rates, lower rates of vacuum or forcepsassisted vaginal delivery, lower rates of perineal tears, lower rates of postpartum hemorrhage, fewer cases of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn, and fewer hospital transfers postpartum for mother and baby.

Laboring in water may not be as effective at pain relief as the total lower body numbing experience of an epidural, but full body immersion in water during labor and delivery provides enough pain relief to allow the majority of labors to unfold effectively, naturally and with less risk of side effects and fewer interventions for both mother and baby.

With proper support and coping tools, and the benefit of some pain relief from laboring in water, most moms can successfully cope with labor while knowing they are protecting themselves and their baby from risky side effects and unnecessary interventions.

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Prevent decay in baby teeth

Some parents ask us why it matters to take care of baby teeth. They just fall out, so why bother? There are numerous reasons, the most important being that tooth decay causes pain. Decay that is left untreated becomes cavities and can become infected, leading to further problems. Finally, decay in baby teeth can affect the health of adult teeth.

Decay can start as soon as teeth appear in your child’s mouth. It happens when baby teeth are in contact for long periods of time with liquids or foods that have sugar in them. Juice (even 100% fruit juice), soda, milk, breast milk and formula all contain sugar.

Tooth decay can happen when you put your baby to bed with a bottle, allow them to drink from a bottle or training cup all day, or use bottles to soothe them if they are fussy. By age six months, your baby may be given a bottle of water at these times.

Your child may have trouble eating and speaking normally if they have tooth pain, so it is important to take good care of baby teeth even though they will fall out later.

Schedule your child's first dental visit as soon as their first tooth erupts. It may seem early, but it's a perfect beginning to good dental health for a lifetime.

Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.

treehousekidsdental.com

1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631

office@treehousekidsdental.com

Chad Ficek is a Lane County Special Waste Supervisor. Born and raised in Lane County, he has worked for Lane County Special Waste for more than 20 years.

Disposing of hazardous waste

Many everyday products contain hazardous ingredients. Some are obvious, such as paints, bathroom cleaners and lawn care products. Others may not be as evident, such as some cosmetics. Disposing of hazardous waste in a responsible manner is critical to having a healthy community.

Common household items with a “danger,” “warning,” “caustic,” or “caution” label can become a dangerous pollutant to groundwater and streams when not properly disposed of. Consider the following actions you can take to do the right thing for a healthier planet.

• If possible, avoid using these products. Not only are they pollutants, they are a risk to children and pets in your home.

• When you have leftover or unwanted household chemical products, contact Lane County’s Hazardous Waste Collection Center at Glenwood Transfer Station in Eugene for safe disposal. Up to 35 gallons is free for households.

• Schedule a household appointment online via the free Waste Wise Lane County app at lanecountyor.gov/hazwaste or call (541) 682-4120.

• Businesses, agencies and organizations that generate small quantities of hazardous waste may be eligible for a businessspecific collection program. Learn about eligibility at lanecountyor.gov/hazwaste or call (541) 682-4120.

For our rural customers outside Eugene, hazardous waste disposal events are scheduled several times a year. For dates and locations, visit lanecountyor.gov/hazwaste, call (541) 682-4120, and follow Waste Wise Lane County on Facebook and Instagram.

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Waste Wise Lane County empowers residents, schools and businesses with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably.

WasteWiseLaneCounty @wastewiselanecounty

Using our WORDS

Choosing the

right words can make a significant impact when communicating with young children.

Parents often find themselves frustrated when their kids seem to resist a simple answer of “no.” While tantrums can be exasperating, it helps to consider the child’s perspective. Imagine being told a flat no, without alternatives or much thought — it would be perplexing and frustrating for anyone!

To ease this communication challenge, try some simple language adjustments to redirect your child’s busy mind, maintain positivity and uphold boundaries without adding struggles.

First/then language: This approach helps sidestep the direct use of no and introduces sequencing for children to follow. For instance, if your child is eager to head to the park right after school, instead of a straightforward no, try saying, “Oh great! I’m excited to go to the park, too. First, let’s unpack our backpacks and have a snack — then we can go to the park. Can you please get your backpack?” This not only communicates the need for order but also maintains a positive tone.

Yes/when language: This language shift continues to support sequencing while avoiding the negative impact of a direct no. For example, if your child brings you their iPad, but screen time isn’t scheduled for hours, rather than a blunt no, say, “Thank you for reminding me to bring the iPad. Yes, you can use this on the car ride home, when we get back from our playdate. Would you like to help me put it on the charger before we leave?” This approach acknowledges the child’s request and redirects their attention to a more suitable time.

By incorporating these language adjustments, we can create a more positive and cooperative communication environment with children, fostering understanding and collaboration in daily routines.

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FOR GROWN-UPS

BY DONNITA BASSINGER, CTC, MCC

Whether it’s a romantic escape, fun friend adventure or flying solo, mom vacays are a must.

As MOMs, our daily lives revolve around taking care of our families. I love a family vacation and traveling with my kids; however, once you experience an adult-only vacation, it is a whole different level. A vacation without the kids can do wonders for your mental health and make you a better parent when you return.

Here are some ideas to have a romantic escape with your partner, a relaxing trip with other couples or a fun-filled experience with your girlfriends…

ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS

The ideal destination from Oregon is a highquality, adults-only, all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico. Having everthing you could ever want included for one price makes this one of the most relaxing vacations you can take.

Within the resorts, all of your meals, drinks, room service, activities and entertainment are included. Be aware that there are variances in what resorts consider “adultonly.” Some resorts are geared to all-ages and have one building or area that is designated for adults-only, but the majority of restaurants, pools and entertainment take place in the all-ages areas. This is not a true escape: a real adult-only resort does

not allow anyone under the age of 18 on the property (although there are a few that start at age 16).

There are big differences in quality and atmosphere among resorts. They all look like paradise in the photos but use a professional travel agent to make sure your expectations match the reality. I’m a fan of the Secrets, Breathless and Sandals resorts, although even among those brands, there are various features that may or may not appeal to you in each location. There are some Club Med locations that are adultonly, and independent resorts such as the Valentin Imperial that I love to visit and to send clients to. I’ve had many clients (mostly husbands) that were unsure if they would like these resorts, and every one of them have come back thrilled and ready to go again.

ADULT-ONLY CRUISES

Until recently, the only options for an adult-only cruise were expensive and geared towards older passengers such as Viking Ocean Cruises and Viking River Cruises. Now we have Virgin Voyages that are designed for an exciting adult-only experience with lots of nightlife, trendy restaurants, fitness classes, cutting-edge entertainment and a very lively atmosphere.

The ships are all less than 3 years old and are technologically advanced with Wi-Fi included. They sail in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the South Pacific with cruises from four nights to 14 nights.

From our area, a week-long cruise in the Caribbean is the most accessible trip for a grown-up escape. Virgin Voyages does not include alcoholic drinks in their cruise rate but they offer many promotions that include a bar tab for a set amount. I’m so happy we finally have this great cruising option for adults!

MEET VACATION MOM TM

GETTING AWAY

To make your vacation worry-free, print a daily schedule with phone numbers and addresses for the kids’ activities to give to their caretakers. Plan some fun things for them to do while you are away. Tell everyone you will call home once a day (no constant texting). Make an agreement to put cell phones and laptops in the hotel safe so you can be in the moment without work and family interfering. Don’t start an expectation of gifts for the children when you return. You don’t want to waste precious vacation time searching for knick-knacks. If you plan it right, the kids will be having a great time at home while you love every minute being away. An adult vacation should recharge you and make you appreciate all the aspects of your real life. Take the steps to make this happen — you’ll be glad you did.

Donnita Bassinger lives in Eugene with her husband and is a mom to three boys. She has been a travel agent for almost 40 years and loves traveling with and without her children. She is the owner of VIP Vacations, Inc and would be happy to chat with you about your travel plans.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272

@VacationMOMpage

Holly Kriz-Anderson

PROFESSION:

Senior Director of Youth Development, Eugene Family YMCA

COMMUNITY:

Gilham neighborhood, Eugene

PARTNER/SPOUSE:

Corey Anderson, Athletic Director, Bushnell University

CHILDREN:

JJ, age 21; Jackson, age 19; and Cooper, age 16

PHOTOS BY:

LIVIA FREMOUW

MOM’s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: HORSE (when mom wins with the baseline bankshot), Five Crowns, Bananagrams, Blank Slate, Just 1, Dominoes

…words to live by: There are three sides to every story — your story, my story and what really happened.

…binge-worthy podcast: #IMOMSOHARD

…way to get out of making dinner: My hubby has been making the majority of dinners since March 2020!

…time-saving app: AnyList list maker. Alexa will put things on the correct list, and the whole family can add items.

THIS MOM IS DEDICATED TO THE COMMUNITY, THROUGH HER FAMILY AND WORK AT THE YMCA. OH, AND SHE’LL BEAT YOU AT FOOSBALL.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. Our lives are centered around sports and family. Corey has been an Athletic Director for as long as we have been married (26+ years) and I have worked for the Y for almost 25 years. We have our family who we are related to, and we have our chosen family — those we have met along our journey who we include. We also have Jeter (sweetest black lab), Daisy (feisty orange tabby) and five chickens.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?

Every summer, we head to Crescent Lake for some camping fun. We enjoy s’mores, water activities, games and campfire stories. We also celebrate Easter Sunday at the coast with family.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. It makes me happy when people tell me they ran into one of the boys and they were nice and respectful. They have a lot of people who care about them because of Corey’s and my work. No matter where they go in Eugene or Springfield, someone knows them or recognizes them as our boys.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. I’ve had many. I’ve had moments when I can’t fix something for or help one of the boys. When I think I should be able to help them feel better, stop the pain, ease their burden. And I can’t. Moms are supposed to make everything better. Covid was hard for my family. Each of my boys struggled in their own way. My work hours at the Y grew as we were figuring out child care and supporting our community through all the changes. The unknown was hard, and my boys were

left to figure out a lot on their own. I have a lot of internal guilt.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? How about between the sliding glass doors: a big ole garter snake. I was trying to shut the sliding door and it wouldn’t budge. I looked down and there was a huge snake stuck between the sliding door and the glass panel. We think he was sunning himself. Corey to the rescue, who removed the snake.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” Did you hear me? Did you set your alarm? Are you awake yet? Seriously (followed by one of their names). Or when I frequently call them by the wrong name…that happens more often than I would like to admit.

What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now? It’s amazing to witness their journeys, how they overcome obstacles and plan for the future, how they seek my advice and make their own choices. They are growing up fast — I love their sense of autonomy. They learn from their actions and deal with the consequences.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? I was a better mom prior to March 2020. My work life balance has been thrown way off course, and I often feel torn between my family and my work. I don’t want to let anyone down — my boys, my family, co-workers, families we support, my friends. It’s hard, really hard. With every decision I make, someone is let down.

QA

MOM’s Love Local...

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Hirons and Down to Earth Home, Garden & Gifts

…coffee spot: Dutch Bros or Human Bean for chai (no coffee for me)

…spot to get a good workout: the Y of course!

…place to treat yourself: Creative Hair Artistry

…restaurant to take the kids: Hot Mama’s Wings

…restaurants for a date night, happy hour: the Pub at Laurelwood

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: PublicHouse

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Goodwill or St. Vinnie’s

…event in your community: Home and garden show at the fairgrounds

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I love working with youth and families at the Y. It’s been my second home for almost a quarter of a century. Every day brings a new puzzle to put together: how can we help an unhoused youth, make sports fun for the little ones, connect with our community partners, support our regulars, guide families and kids to thrive, and so much more! The Y is more than a job, it’s a family.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. Have you seen our amazing new Y? Being a part of the amazing Y team, every day feels like a birthday party. I love seeing the happy faces of people who haven’t visited us in a long time, hearing the stories they share with their loved ones after enjoying the Y experience, and watching all ages play together in the gym. This is what we dreamed of, and it came true.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I can barely think past this summer.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? My mom was fortunate to stay home with my brother and I. She helped us navigate friends, homework and learning skills. I have tried to be the same with my boys — to listen to them talk about their friends, school, things that bother them, things that make them happy.

Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you? I grew up in Newberg, Oregon, in the country, with my grandparents nearby. My aunts, uncles and cousins lived there, too. I started working for the Chehalem Park & Recreation District when I was in high school — reffing, score keeping games, working summer camps and whatever jobs they would give me. I knew I wanted to work for a community center and be a part of the time of day that people take care of themselves.

If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?

I want to improve my verbal communication skills. Sometimes I find it hard to express myself clearly and quickly when I’m talking. I want to learn how to organize my thoughts better and choose the right words for different situations.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Foosball. I grew up with a foosball table, and my brother and I played all the time. I’ve got a wicked quick spin.

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. I read romcoms on my Kindle nightly. It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do?

I actually had one recently. I cleaned the kitchen, did some laundry and ignored the bills!

What is your least/most favorite household chore? All of them. Most favorite is using my floor vacuum and sucking up the dog hair.

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) Kettle corn with nutritional yeast, and I eat it with a spoon. Dill pickle sunflower seeds. Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I love shoes, particularly Birkenstocks and tennis shoes, as well as backpacks and bags. So much so that my family shakes their heads at me when I come home with a new one.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Wonder Woman, since I was little and had the underoos.

Who are your favorite real-life heroes?

Anyone who works with youth — at the Y, Kidsports, Boys and Girls Club, City of Eugene, schools, coaches, referees... all of them.

Listen to mom.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My parents and grandparents instilled the importance of family. Everyone was welcome at family gatherings, my grandma wanted everyone to be included. Corey and I try to make sure that if someone needs a place for a holiday dinner, there is a place for them in our home.

Do current events shape how you parent, and if so, how? Shootings terrify me. I want my boys to feel prepared. Throughout their school years we would talk about the drills, what they could use to barricade or throw, where the exits are. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. When I hear or see something from a youth related to mental health, I know that I need to check in with someone in that youth’s circle.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? My favorite conversations are with moms of boys like mine. The real conversations about our kids struggling, how they cope with medications, mental health, friends and school.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Nobody’s perfect. We all have our flaws and mistakes. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be nice to each other. Sometimes we don’t see the pain that others are going through, sometimes we cope with loss in different ways. Sometimes we fall in love with people who are not like us. And that’s okay. We should try to understand and respect each other. Big or small, we can all do something to make a difference. That’s how we help to build community.

Make your family room child-safe... and beautiful

Family rooms are where we spend most of our waking hours together. Make them as safe as possible, without sacrificing style.

CLEARLY, IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS

Clear electrical outlet covers are a staple item for safety. Edge protectors for furniture and countertops also come in clear for a less distracting look.

CORDLESS BLINDS

The risk of strangulation on corded blinds is real — put your mind at ease with cordless ones. And with a streamlined look, cordless blinds are well worth the investment.

LIGHTING

Get that lovely chandelier you always wanted. Installation will likely require a professional, but it is well worth it to keep floor and table lamps away from children.

 SOFT FURNITURE

Hard-edged furniture be gone! Trade out a solid surface coffee table for an upholstered one. Bonus if it has storage — just make sure it has soft-close hinges.

 STYLISH SAFETY GATES

Goodbye plastic, and hello aesthetically pleasing, with safety gates like this one from Safety 1st. Even after your children outgrow the need for them, these gates are handy for pets, too

 WALL-MOUNT THE TV

Have your TV mounted to the wall with cords hidden behind the drywall. This will likely require a professional, but it’s safer for children and it looks so much better than a messy tangle of cords.

 HIDDEN HELPERS

Anchor your furniture to prevent your child from tipping a heavy piece onto them themselves. Wall anchor kits are widely available and bonus: you can’t even see them. With newer furniture, it’s now a federal rule; visit AnchorIt.gov to learn more.

Full and half-day available 541-844-7641 1175

Why your child should see an orthodontist by age 7

Orthodontic care plays a crucial role in ensuring your child’s oral health and overall well-being. While it might seem early, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Here’s why:

Early detection of issues: By age 7, most children have a mix of permanent and baby teeth and their overall growth direction is set. An orthodontist can identify potential problems early, such as misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites or crossbites. Detecting these issues allows for timely intervention with expanders, braces or other treatments.

Guiding growth and development: Early treatment can guide the growth of facial bones and jaw structures. It helps create a better foundation for permanent teeth, ensuring they come in properly aligned. Addressing problems early can prevent more complex issues later.

Breathing, swallowing and sleeping: If your child snores, has enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or has sleeping issues, an orthodontist can work with your child’s physician to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. While not every child needs early intervention, early assessment can give you peace of mind. And, you don’t need a dentist referral to see an AAO orthodontist — just call one to schedule an initial exam. At our office, the first consultation is free!

PUBLIC RADIO

Good granola

Granola is a high protein snack, with fiber and micronutrients, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Same for granola bars: store-bought ones are convenient, but many are loaded with additives and stabilizers. Making your own allows you to control the amount of sweeteners and the quality of ingredients.

Glorious golden granola

3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped dried apricots

1/4 cup golden raisins

Except for the apricots and raisins, mix all ingredients together until well blended. Spread flat on a baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 15 minutes at 300 degrees. Stir in the apricots and raisins, spread flat again, then bake for an additional 15 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before enjoying.

Strawberry season parfaits

1 and ⅓ cups granola

1 and ⅓ cups vanilla yogurt

1 and ⅓ cups fresh strawberries, sliced

4 wide-mouth 8-oz. canning jars with lids Honey (optional)

Layer each jar with ⅓ cup of granola on the bottom, then ⅓ cup yogurt, and finally ⅓ cup strawberries.

Sprinkle a little more granola on top, and if desired, drizzle with honey. These are great to make ahead as snacks or desserts.

Grizzlies granola bars

2 cups Grizzlies Brand All Organic Trail Mix

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup almond butter

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup shredded coconut

SO MANY WAYS TO ENJOY GRANOLA...

Spread peanut butter on apple slices and top with granola.

Pour milk over granola and eat it as cereal.

Roll French toast in granola before frying for a crunchy spin.

Add granola to muffins or sweet breads before baking.

Sprinkle granola on a baked yam.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Grizzlies Brand All Organic Trail Mix, rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped almonds and shredded coconut. Mix well.

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the almond butter and honey/maple syrup, stirring until well combined and smooth. Remove from heat.

Add the vanilla extract to the almond butter mixture and stir until incorporated.

Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to a lined baking dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the mixture to set.

Once set, remove the mixture from the baking dish and cut it into desired bar shapes.

Grizzlies Brand products are made in Eugene!

It’s allergy season — and not just for humans

Our beloved furry companions can also suffer from allergies, stemming from food, environmental causes and fleas.

Allergies in pets often show up as constant scratching, biting or licking. Ear infections with smelly discharge and head shaking are also common. With food allergies, some pets develop digestive issues. Year-round allergies to mold, dust mites, etc. can lead to sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing and itchy/watery eyes.

If your pet is diagnosed with allergies, there is a lot we can do to help. Changes in diet, environment or grooming products can be tried first. Medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids can be used. Newer products used to control the allergy itch include Cytopoint, a monthly monoclonal antibody injection, and Aopquel, a daily pill that interrupts the inflammatory and immune response pathway. In some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended.

When it comes to your pet’s health and quality of life, there are many ways veterinarians can help. We understand that pets are family!

Wilvet South 24/7 urgent care

Caring for itchy, allergy eyes

Not many of us escape some kind of reaction to high pollen in the Willamette Valley during grass seed season. Allergy symptoms affect our eyes because our immune system releases histamines, which lead to itchy, watery and red eyes.

As an eye doctor, I recommend Zaditor or Alaway eye drops to relieve the itching and discomfort that comes with seasonal allergies. Both are available over-thecounter, and Alaway makes a preservative-free version.

If you or your child are taking medication by mouth for allergies, know that some of them can lead to eye dryness. Keeping your eyes moistened helps, but artificial tears are for comfort only and not made to reduce the itching caused by allergies. Same for redness relief eye drops, which typically work for cosmetic purposes only. Allergy sufferers can also tend to have more eye gunk that goes beyond the typical “sleep” in our eyes. These can be wiped off with a clean, damp washcloth; be careful to brush it away from the eye, not into it. Note that a small amount is not cause for alarm, but persistent discharge that is not clear is worth a visit to the eye doctor.

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Getting through grass allergy season

THE MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY HAS CLOCKED SOME OF THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF GRASS POLLEN IN THE WORLD DURING WHAT LOCALS CALL GRASS SEED SEASON. AN ALLERGIST AND MOM IN EUGENE GIVES INSIGHT AND ADVICE ON THIS AREA'S MOST TROUBLESOME ALLERGEN.

Driving down I-5 South into Linn County, you’ll see a “Grass Seed Capital of the World” sign. The mood is celebratory but not for anyone sneezing their way through late spring.

We talked to Katheryn Birch, DO, of Oregon Allergy Associates in Eugene, for ways to help our kids get through the season.

Q: Is it true that babies don’t typically have seasonal allergies? When do pollen allergies typically show up in children?

A. Yes, it typically takes at least two years for seasonal allergies to develop, and that is also the case if you are moving to a new area. Children under age 2 can start to develop indoor allergies, because they are exposed to those more frequently than outside allergies. Pollen allergies can start to show up in 3 to 4 year-olds then there is a peak age range of 6 to 9 year-olds. Children can continue to develop allergies until around 13 to 14 years of age.

Q: What are the first signs/symptoms of allergies in kids, as well as some of the lesser known ones?

A. The most common symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy red eyes. Kids can also have “allergic shiners,” which is swelling with a purple hue under the eyes. Children are also more likely to have contact hives with grass or other plants, and some have difficulty with eczema. They can also experience post nasal drip, which is hard for

most children to explain or understand. The post nasal drip can lead to a lot of clearing of the throat or cough. The Willamette Valley has a lot of allergy-induced asthma. These types of symptoms are similar to a common cold, however the common cold typically lasts about 5 to 7 days, while allergies last several weeks to months depending on what you or your child may be allergic to

Q: C an you try your child on an over-the-counter allergy medication and see if it helps?

A: Allergy medications are typically very safe and have few side effects, so they are safe to try if you are uncertain if you are dealing with allergies. The over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications can be helpful for some, but the most effective are the intranasal steroid sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays and antihistamine eye drops. These medications are acting directly at the source of the reaction. My children get some minor improvement with oral antihistamines, however they really see improvement with the intranasal steroid sprays. Initially they did not like the nasal spray and made a fuss. However, after they started to see the effects a couple weeks later, they stopped fighting it and now that’s the first thing they ask for when they start to have nasal symptoms. One of my children really struggled with a cough, even with all the OTC medications, and we did eventually have to start some prescription medications to help.

Plan ahead & manage your spaces

Q: At what point do you go from pediatrician to allergist, and what is the benefit of seeing an allergist?

A: If you're using all the OTC medications and still struggling to get symptoms under control, that’s when seeing the pediatrician can be helpful. There are a couple medications they may be able to prescribe for you. However, even with these, symptoms can still be bothersome. At that time it can be helpful to visit an allergist to see other medication options, and for potential testing that may be helpful in identifying what your child may be allergic to. I would also especially suggest evaluation by an allergist if your child is coughing a lot or having breathing issues with their allergies.

Q: Talk about the value of testing: is it specific to what grows here?

A: Allergy testing is helpful for us to identify what the problem is and how to avoid it more effectively. We typically test for multiple different types of indoor and outdoor allergens.

Allergists test for the type of pollen seen in their region. There is different pollen in different regions of the country, and there is variation in their season lengths. Trees, grass and weeds all have their specific time of the year they pollinate.

In western Oregon, we don’t have a lot of weeds and subsequently, not a lot of weed allergies, especially when compared to the Midwest. In the Willamette Valley, we have an unusually high grass pollen season, due to grass seed farms. For that reason, grass is one of the most common outdoor allergens here, and the most troublesome.

Grass pollen starts in May, peaks around Memorial Day weekend, and ends right around July 4. Once you see fields being baled and harvested, you know relief is on the horizon. In the meantime:

• Close windows and use your home’s air handler to limit exposure to outdoor pollen. Change your furnace filter to a HEPA one.

• Take a shower before bedtime, and keep those sheets clean.

• Use medication as directed. Review all medications for you and your children, and replace anything that has expired.

• Splurge on the super-soft tissues, as noses get red and raw.

• Keep your car clean, too, as well as windows up and recirculate on; change your car’s cabin filter for better interior air quality.

• If grass seed in the valley is getting to you and yours, take a trip to the coast. There will still be pollen, but typically less of it.

Q: Allergy shots can be a hard sell to kids. Are there any other types of treatments, like under-the tongue droplets?

A: Allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy, is very effective in school-aged children. It has even been shown to help decrease the development of asthma when started in 4 to 5 yearold children. However, we recognize that trying to convince a young child to come in weekly for several months to get a shot is not an easy sell. There are several different techniques that can be used to help ease the process such as cold packs, numbing creams and vibrations that help distract from the injection. The other key point for allergy shots is that they are subcutaneous so they are not going into the muscle, so they do not hurt as much and there is not a lingering pain after.

The other option that we have is sublingual tablets. In the U.S. there are ragweed, dust mite and grass tablets that are FDA approved. These are great

options for those who are really averse to injections. The biggest downside is they do not cover all other allergens and pollens if your child is polysensitized. However, for many in the Willamette Valley, grass is so much worse than the other allergens. The symptoms seem like nothing in comparison and treatment for the grass is a game changer.

You may see some things out there for other types of allergy treatment such as liquid sublingual immunotherapy or intralymphatic immunotherapy, but these are not FDA approved yet and have not had as much research done on them.

Katheryn

Check the daily meter by Oregon Allergy Associates in Eugene. Visit oregonallergyassociates.com/pollencounts/ to check for local and up-to-date info.