MOM Magazine - Lane County - Dec 2024 by Active Media Publishing Group

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

Marion & Polk County

Business Development Manager

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036

Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com

meet the experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Motherhood

Journey to Motherhood with Emily Tyde, page 6

Vacation

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

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Erica Harmon, page 8

Body & Balance

Body & Balance with Dr. Chrissy Clark, page 10

Smile

Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 18

Beyond the Bin

Beyond the Bin with Jack Greenberg, page 22

Say Cheese

Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 27

Focus

Focus on MOM with Dr. Ayda Porkar, page 30

Editor’s Note

The Eugene Airport is a proud part of what makes Western Oregon such a unique place to live and visit, with direct routes connecting to hundreds of destinations.

We have to muddle through somehow

When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I was sick a record nine times. (GenX joke: Nine times? Nine times.) There were seven colds, a flu and one norovirus that left me with tiny burst capillaries all over my face.

I thought that was rough, but I was a sweet summer child who knew not the misery of having a sick toddler while being pregnant with my second child… and then getting the crud from said sick toddler.

When you have young children, cold and flu season can be brutal. The family merry-go-round of wintertime illness is what inspired this issue’s article on over-the-counter solutions. Some good news on that front for older kids, but children under age 4…sorry for your troubles. Been there.

Most of us in good health can muddle through these illnesses without major consequences, so my ranting here is not to be paralleled with serious health issues. That said, the family crud is its own brand of misery: school, work and life in general grind to a halt. It’s like a spike strip of Legos on the bare feet of life.

is to exist outside of time, which is a reminder to slow down, beg off the commitments (you didn’t want to go to that candle party anyway), skip the staff meeting, ditch the obligations. The naps are also an astral-level of incredible. And there’s always that wondrous moment when you can breathe through both nostrils at the same time. Above all, the cruds remind us not to take good health for granted, not even for one second, and to check in on loved ones with chronic conditions. They are true warriors.

I’m no longer in control of what my face does when I hear the ad nauseum prevention advice to wash your hands, avoid touching touch your face, get plenty of sleep, and so on. I’m convinced the people who dole out this true-but-tired advice have not met children. All the handwashing in the world won’t stop a baby from sneezing in your eyeball.

All of this got me wondering if there was any point or benefit to these illnesses. The Egyptians wrote about colds on papyrus scrolls, so humans have been trading germs for a while now. Some believe illness strengthens your immune system. But with new mutations — side-eye to Covid here I'd say the germs have us beat. In trying to find a silver lining, this is the best I’ve got: to be in the sick zone

Moms of littles in cold season: Go ahead and curl up with that sick toddler who just wants to be held, because you’re gonna get that virus in two days anyway. Give up limits on screen time and popsicles. Set the streaming cartoons to auto-play the next episodes. Maybe someday we’ll get that drone-delivery service that drops a bulk pack of tissues in your yard. Or a service that sends a hazmat team to run your household and let you sleep.

And the people who say, “I just never get sick.” Well how does it feel to be one of the chosen ones, Brenda? Don’t rub your wellness in my face…wait, maybe literally do that and see if it gives me some kind of immunity.

Try to stay well, Audrey Meier DeKam

journey to motherhood

Worry in pregnancy

It’s been said that “worry is the work of pregnancy,” meaning that one of the most crucial initial acts of parenting is embracing the fear of potential harm to your unborn child — and doing all in your power to prevent it.

Given how prevalent anxiety is throughout pregnancy, how should it be managed, and when is it too much?

Worry during pregnancy has its uses, but excessive anxiety can overtake the nervous system, resulting in a fight-or-flight reaction, uneasiness, sensations of trepidation or being on edge, and an inability to stop worrying about a fear.

If you find yourself worrying excessively about numerous issues that cannot be resolved at once, practice observing your thoughts. Make a list of the worries so you can tackle them one by one. Excessive anxiety can lead to trouble falling asleep, restlessness, irritability and misdirected frustration, and a general sense of dread. Getting worries out of your head and onto paper can help you relax, so you can address your concerns productively. If intrusive worry has persisted for most of the last seven days even after making

Emily Joy Tyde, MS, LDM

oregonbirthandwellness.org

541-515-6556

a list, problem solving and following sound medical advice, then it’s time to talk with your midwife or healthcare provider. They can test for and treat clinical anxiety.

How can you safely manage clinical anxiety during pregnancy? First, make thoughtful decisions that honor your worries while also calming your anxiety. Searching Google around 1 a.m. can exacerbate stress, while unplugging, paying attention to your body, and breathing exercises can soothe the body and mind.

Writing in a journal helps relax the nervous system, calming the fight-or-flight reaction. Additional methods to calm the nerves include pregnancy yoga, meditation, prayer and guided visualization. Herbs that are safe to use during pregnancy to relieve anxiety include skullcap, lavender, passion flower and chamomile. Supplements like probiotics and magnesium have been shown to reduce anxiety. If you’ve journaled, asked all the questions, tried the TIPP approach (see sidebar), and vitamins and herbs aren’t helping with your anxiety symptoms most of the time, it’s time to ask your midwife for further help. We are here to guide you.

890 Beltline Road in Springfield

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Try TIPP for anxiety

The TIPP approach is an evidence-based set of skills you can use to manage anxiety, panic and intense feelings. Taken from dialectical behavior therapy, many pregnant people find it useful in preparing for labor.

T is for Temperature

Relax your nervous system by holding an ice cube, splashing cool water on your face or stepping outside in cold weather.

I is for Intensive exercise

Rapid walking or riding an exercise bike are examples of pregnancysafe intensive activity.

P is for Paced breathing Deep, slow breathing techniques promote calm.

P is also for Paired muscle relaxation By deliberately tightening a major muscle while inhaling and then exhaling to relax it, the muscle will relax more than it did initially. A relaxed muscle needs less oxygen, which causes your heart rate and breathing to drop. Go over each body muscle, tensing and relaxing it as you go.

Gingerbread dog biscuits

This time of year, we all want a sweet treat, and Fido is no exception. Get the kids to help make this fun recipe for your favorite pups:

3 cups flour

½ teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ cup vegetable oil

½ cup molasses

½ cup water

Combine ingredients until fully mixed, then let sit for 15 minutes. You can add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed to make a dough-like consistency.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to a thickness of about ¼-inch, then use cookie cutters to make shapes of your choice.

Bake at 325° degrees on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet for 20 to 25 minutes until hard then cool completely.

These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a week, in the fridge for up to one month, or the freezer for three months.

Warm holiday wishes from the Wilvet South team!

Wilvet South 24/7 urgent care

Brought to you by: Erica Harmon, DVM

body & balance

Navigating menopause during the holidays

Menopause often brings a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and bowel and bladder issues. During the busy holiday season, these symptoms can wreak havoc on your body and mind due to the increased social obligations, decreased sleep and changes to your typical diet and routine.

Did you know that physical therapy (PT) can offer valuable support in managing menopausal symptoms and maintaining well-being during the festivities? A physical therapist can design a customized exercise program that focuses on managing joint pain, improving sleep, preventing bowel and bladder issues, and alleviating stress so you can keep up with all of the demands the holiday season brings.

Some interventions including gentle stretching, strength training and simple nutritional advice can help reduce menopausal symptoms and increase your engagement with loved ones during the holidays. PT can also offer mindfulness techniques, daily routine planning, hands-on treatments and breathing exercises that assist you in managing stress, pain and anxiety so you can handle the extra holiday commitments with ease. This approach not only supports your physical health but also helps you stay balanced, strong and resilient during the holidays — and all year-long! Dr. Chrissy

Flying with kids

Traveling with children is a completely different experience from your footloose days of hopping on a flight without kids. It can be a fun family adventure, or a total nightmare, depending upon how you plan your trip.

ESSENTIALS TO BRING ONBOARD

• Sn acks (pretzels, crackers, cheese sticks, jerky, cereal) in a resealable bag

• Small bag with a few diapers and small pack of wipes

• Tissues, wet-wipes and hand sanitizer

• Small books, stickers, notebooks, crayons and pencils

• Change of comfy clothes in a resealable bag

• New toys and prizes

• Sweaters, sweatshirts or jackets for when it gets chilly on the plane

• Handheld games, tablets, batteries, headsets, chargers and power packs

• Various bags to organize items

• A sense of adventure, patience and a positive attitude

Before you fly, talk to your children about what to expect and how to behave: no running off, staying seated during the flight, no kicking the seats in front of them, etc. Check the website for each airport ahead of time to see if they have play areas you can visit. This can turn waiting at an airport into a fun adventure.

Flying from the Eugene Airport is a great choice when travelling with kids. Parking, check-in and getting through security is easier and faster versus flying from a big city airport. Plus, there are now more non-stop flights to different destinations than ever before with great fares to Anaheim, Burbank, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mesa, Oakland, Orange County, Palm Springs, Phoenix, San Diego, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle. Any of these destinations can make for a great family vacation. And remember: a family trip is not the time to buy the cheapest tickets with multiple connections.

SECURITY RULES

Airlines are required to collect official full names, date of birth and sex of each passenger. TSA rules prohibit taking liquids over 3.4 oz. onboard aircraft; however, you can bring filled bottles or sippy cups for young children. Just show them to the security screeners and know that they may open and test them. All liquids need to be in a quart-size resealable bag. Passengers of all ages flying anywhere outside of the U.S. are required to have a valid passport (passport books, not cards). Children under the age of 18 who are not traveling with both parents may need a notarized letter of permission for international travel. Some countries require that you apply for permission and pay a fee to enter

their country — this is documented with a stamp in your passport called a Visa. A travel agent can assist with all of these details.

BAGGAGE & SEATS

All airlines (except Southwest) charge $20 to $50 per checked-in bag each direction with a maximum weight of 40 to 50 pounds per bag. Many airlines now charge for carry-on bags that won’t fit under a seat, and these charges can addup quickly for a family. There may be a discount if you prepay your baggage fees.

Most airlines are now charging for some or all pre-assigned seats. It’s important to check airline websites for the latest rules, plan ahead and pack carefully to minimize these costs. The Department of Transportation is proposing rules to require airlines to seat children aged 13 and under next to at least one accompanying adult at no additional cost. Check online to see the latest rules.

Usually, you can take a stroller and/or car seat to the plane and gate check them for free. Bring a big plastic bag with an address label to put your items in to keep them from getting dirty if you gate check them. If you are paying for a seat for your child, you can bring an FAA-approved car seat onboard the aircraft.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The days of free meals and snacks onboard domestic (within the U.S.) flights are over. Every mom knows that hungry kids are a recipe for disaster. Bring snacks like packaged meat and cheese trays found in the lunchmeat section of the grocery store. All food needs to be in a resealable bag and taken out when going through security. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after clearing security so you always have it available.

MEET VACATION MOM TM

FLYING WITH INFANTS

On domestic flights, airlines allow an infant, prior to their second birthday, to sit on the lap of an adult for no charge. This must be noted on the reservation as a lap child and you may be required to show a birth certificate or passport to prove their age. For international travel there is usually a highly discounted rate for infant tickets.

A small bag with a couple of diapers and a pack of baby wipes is much easier to take into a tiny airplane bathroom than a huge diaper bag. Pack at least one complete change of clothes for your baby in another zipper bag. If you have to change the baby’s clothes, the wet, dirty outfit can go in the bag. If your baby needs a pacifier, take several. Disposable bibs are helpful on a flight. Note that Eugene Airport has two lactation suites available for nursing families.

Don’t forget to pack a good attitude. Kids will sense if you are agitated so try and make the best of any situation. If you make it fun, you will have great little travelers ready to see the world.

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport

Donnita is the owner of VIP Vacations, has been a travel agent for over three decades and a family travel expert for over 20 years. She has taken her three children on numerous vacations. Her favorite family destinations include Hawaii, San Diego, cruises and all-inclusive resorts.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272

@VacationMOMpage

Adrienne Fainman

PROFESSION: CEO/design director

COMMUNITY: Eugene

PARTNER: Cueyo Cataldo, business owner/ construction director

CHILDREN: Dante Slxwa’skwull, age 2.5, and Meylekh Pqmelemst’ya, age 2 months

PHOTOS BY: LIVIA FREMOUW

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE DWELLINGS WHILE MANAGING TWO KIDS IN TWO YEARS, THIS MOM HAS HER HANDS FULL — HAVING AN EXTRA ARM WOULD INDEED BE NICE.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband and I live with our two sons, Dante Slxwa who is 2 and a-half years old and Meylekh Pqmelemsty’a who is just 2 months old. We have no pets, but spiders and backyard squirrels are our frequent visitors.

MOM’s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Building blocks and play dough. My husband and I design and build buildings for a living so this is play for all of us.

…words to live by: How you do one thing is how you do everything.

…binge-worthy TV: 9 Perfect Strangers, Reservation Dogs

…way to get out of making dinner: Invitation to a family or friend’s house.

…time-saving app: Minimalist on my phone — it keeps my phone simple, clean and functional and reduces the time I spend in time-sucking apps.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? We are a mixed family — Indigenous and Jewish — so we have a few traditions from each of our cultures. A ritual that is unique to just our little family is at bedtime. As Dante and I head up the stairs, Dante asks for kisses from his papa: he gets one kiss for each step he goes up, for the first five steps or so. It’s very sweet. When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I think I’ve always known but it was when I got close to my thirties that I started thinking more seriously about it.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. I’m still new to having two kids. Recently, while my husband was out of town, I successfully took both kids to the grocery store, cooked dinner and got them both to sleep. That in itself felt like a major accomplishment.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. I thought I could be a supermom and tried bringing Meylekh to the office with me when he was only a month old. That was a humbling experience. I was definitely not ready for that. I’m honestly so grateful to be my own boss so I can continue working from home until I’m actually ready to be in the office again.

We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time. Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment. You know, like forgetting to pick the kids up from school. This might sound minor to some, but when my firstborn was still newborn, I thought I’d try using clippers to cut his nails and I nicked him. It was his first real scream of pain, and I felt so horrible I had to leave the room and get my husband to soothe the baby. I was mortified, and honestly consider that a traumatic experience to this day!

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)? I was totally anti-big box stores and avoided chains when I could. Now as a mom I admittedly understand the allure.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different? I think they share my interesting balance of being social while definitely independent. They also both like to sing like me. Hopefully this sticks, but I think they also have a self-confidence that I’ve not always had; I think that strength in their sovereignty comes from their dad.

What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now? The snuggles.

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? My priorities right now are parenting and work. We are entrepreneurs so we put

a lot of creative energy into that. Most other things have fallen through the cracks, but we try to keep parenting and growing our company as social and fun as possible to address those other parts of being human. I try to give myself grace, and start each week by listing all the accomplishments of the previous week before creating my upcoming to-do list. It’s important to recognize the work and continual efforts we put forth as moms.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I am the CEO and design director for CedarStone. We design and build sustainable, innovative

homes and structures. Our company got its start as one of the pre-approved ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) designs for the City of Eugene, and we have since grown to become leaders in prefab mass timber with a variety of pre-designed options and architectural and construction services. We are focused on sustainability and equity, and we are COBID certified (Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity). We work with indigenous partners to help uplift minority voices and improve the built environment in ways that reflect indigenous values of supporting the planetary community.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? I think there are many more things that I’ve learned as a mom that have helped me professionally, such as how to handle other people’s emotional moments, how to be a good listener, how to allow others to make their own choices, how and when to offer advice and how to identify an emotional issue versus a practical one.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. We recently launched a prefab mass timber tiny house that I’m very proud of, called Estkwes. It’s been a challenge to figure out how to provide sustainable, beautiful durable housing that is also affordable. I think this tiny house ADU is pioneering this level of quality at an affordable price. It took many many years of experience, engineering and intentional thought around manufacturing to get this product to market, and it’s really awesome.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? In my work we have to be very careful with cost estimating and budgeting, and as we’ve grown we’ve learned to not try to do this all ourselves. It’s better to invest in having someone with this expertise to assist us than run into problems. Basically, through failing to meet budgets, we’ve learned to embrace more help and be more objective with money. Money can cause so much stress since it represents all types of resources, but it’s also never going to be as important as relationships, values and respect for life around us.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I’d love to provide sustainable homes to as many people as we can, while successfully launching our new fund Land Built, subsidizing sustainable homes for indigenous communities. I’d also love our CedarStone team to be supported enough for me to take a few more moments away with my family and friends for a more balanced live-work lifestyle. My dream is that we also design and build a spa/bathhouse/ mikvah for the community.

If

mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up in Toronto — the most multicultural city in the world! This definitely helped me be open-minded to different cultures. My parents were very loving, however my mother struggled with addiction my entire life. While that is a significant source of trauma, it’s also been the catalyst for so much of my growth and motivated me to nurture my own mental health in a serious way, so in a sense, I’m really grateful.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? Kindness, fairness and time management are all things my parents taught me that have served me well.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? I just sent my first son to preschool for the first time. I had such terrible butterflies in my stomach, but he was absolutely fine and I’m so proud of him.

When did you realize you were no longer a child? I think I’ll always feel like a child sometimes — that inner child is still there. She comes out to play when I’m being creative, and she’s also there when I’m feeling vulnerable. Being an adult to me is maybe about developing a certain maturity that allows me to not put myself first all the time, or to recognize the needs of others around me.

What is the quality you like most about yourself? My optimism.

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 have a newborn, so I’d like an extra arm or two please.

Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you. I’m spiritual.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My bicycles. I have a very nice touring bike (pre-kids, I loved bike camping with my friends — our longest ride was

from B.C. down the coast to southern Oregon). I recently got a fancy cargo electric bike for toting both kids around town.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? I didn’t really have expectations, so everything has been a surprise.

Do current events shape how you parent, and if so, how? Generally, I think it’s important to make sure my kids are open-minded to diverse perspectives, have a strong moral compass and feel empowered to trust their instinct. We also have the task of teaching our kids the difficult history of our lineages. Current events often have a direct impact on how the general population views our cultures, and it also influences how we show up in the world to stand up on behalf of those who need to be heard. So yes, it shapes my parenting from the perspective of safety for ourselves and for others as we navigate the best way we can contribute to our communities.

Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My Jewish culture and my husband’s Indigenous culture have both provided me with wisdom that has really helped in my motherhood journey. And of course my own parents — the good and the bad — I was able to learn from it all and do what I think we all are trying to do: pick up where our parents left off and keep making things better and better.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? When I told my midwife that my baby wouldn’t really let me lay him down, she said “Oh, so he’s a smart baby then!” That took the pressure off, and let me accept that babies just love to be held.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Do what feels right to you.

MOMs Love Local...

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

…shop to pick up a gift for a friend: Mountain Rose, Down to Earth, Passion Flower, Provisions. For pregnant friends, time or products from a postpartum doula.

…coffee spot: Wandering Goat, Equiano, Farmers Union

…view or scenic lookout: Top of Skinner Butte

…spot to get a good workout: Downtown Athletic Club

…place to treat yourself: French Nails & Spa in the Oakway Center which also has nice boutiques for moms and kids.

…meetup spot for happy hour: My world doesn’t include this lovely sounding activity at the moment.

…restaurant to take the kids: Wheel Apizza, Wandering Goat

Brought to you by:

Healthier snacking for kids

Food choices and eating patterns can affect whether your child has problems like tooth decay and cavities. Snacks such as cookies, crackers, gummies, juice and soda are the major culprits in the development of cavities. Bacteria love these simple carbohydrates because they are easily “digestible,” and the bacteria then excrete an acid onto teeth that dissolves the enamel.

How often your child snacks or drinks anything sugary matters greatly. Acid from sugary foods and drinks attack teeth for 20 minutes or longer. If your child is eating or drinking something sugary every half hour, the cycle is barely disrupted, and that’s when tooth decay happens and cavities form.

Do not give your child an unlimited, unregulated supply of sugary foods and drinks. Offer water when they are thirsty, and limit foods to meals and planned snacks. For the content of snacks, choose nutritious ones such as fruits, veggies, nuts and cheeses. These are healthier options than giving them cookies, crackers (those popular fish-shaped ones are a major culprit), candy, potato chips and other sweet or sticky foods.

Save sweets as an ending for mealtime, when the mouth makes more saliva to help rinse out food particles. A healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks is not just good for healthy teeth, it’s better for overall well-being too.

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

THE SEASON OF CRUDS

THE LATEST IN OVER-THE-COUNTER RELIEF FOR FAMILIES

h yes, the season of cruds. We’ve become regular connoisseurs, curating light sneezy colds that trick you into thinking it’s allergies, to the coughing kind that lasts three weeks — and keeps the whole family hacking all winter long.

What’s a mom to do? We asked three local pharmacists for advice: Anne Harthman, RPh, PharmD, of Broadway Apothecary in Eugene; Ryan Ferris, PharmD, of Salem Health in Salem; and Caelon Vecchio-Miller, PharmD, of Samaritan Pharmacy Services in Corvallis.

Finally, the good stuff is back

In 2006, Oregon made pseudoephedrine — a truly effective decongestant — prescription only, in an effort to halt its use in illegal methamphetamine production. In 2022, this restriction was repealed: no more prescriptions needed.

Today, you can get pseudoephedrine over-the-counter, but with a hitch: you have to ask for it. At the pharmacy counter, be prepared to show a government-issued ID (you must be 18 or older) and sign a logbook. There are limits to how much you can buy, so your purchase will be tracked; good to keep in mind if you’re the one who buys meds for your family. “If you need more than what is allowed by the federal limits, you can get a prescription from your doctor or pediatrician,” said Ferris.

So we’ve been buying...a placebo?

About that cold medicine we’ve been taking the past 15 years, phenylephrine. In 2023, the FDA declared what many of us suspected: oral phenylephrine is ineffective. So why is it still fully stocked on shelves?

“The FDA reviewed the scientific evidence for phenylephrine and have said that it appears to not be effective, but they have no concerns on its safety at recommended dosages,” said Vecchio-Miller. “For it to be taken off the shelf it must go through a multistep process. Until that is done you are likely to continue to see them on the shelves.”

Ferrris added, “It is important to note that the FDA’s actions only apply to oral phenylephrine and not to the nasal spray form, which are still effective for congestion.”

Now that pseudoephedrine is easier to access, can I give it to my stuffed-up kids?

It’s a no for kids under age 4, and yes for over age 12. For children in between, it’s complicated.

“Over-the-counter labeling is going to say ages 6 and under should consult with a provider for the 30 mg immediate release,” said Vecchio-Miller. “Children 12 and under should consult a provider for 60 mg immediate release.”

If you’re looking for a liquid version containing pseudoephedrine, you’ll have to ask for it behind the counter, too. “While it is available to purchase, you may have to shop around as tablets are far more common,” noted Vecchio-Miller.

Harthman gave a reminder that congestion can produce headaches and pain for children, which children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease. Nasal suctioning with appropriate bulb devices, as well as nasal irrigation aren’t fun, but they can be helpful.

A common over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray may be of use: “Children’s fluticasone spray can help with almost all nasal symptom management. It is a better option to help them get through their day with a better safety profile,” said Harthman. Children’s Flonase Sensimist is approved for use in children ages 2 and up.

What can we give a coughing child who is keeping themselves (and the whole house) awake all night?

Once again, for children under age 4 there are limited options beyond supportive care of keeping them hydrated, taking warm baths, using humidifiers and so on.

All three pharmacists recommend honey, with some precautions. “You can try honey if the child is over one year old. Never give honey to babies under the age of 12 months due to the risk of botulism,” said Ferris. Vecchio-Miller said to avoid rhododendron honey as it can contain a dangerous toxin. Harthman noted that Manuka honey is a favorite of many in health care fields for its antibacterial effects.

Now that Oregonians can buy pseudoephedrine over-the-counter, can you give it to kids? It’s a no for kids under age 4, yes for over age 12, and for children in between... it’s complicated.

“For kids ages 4 to 11, dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) may be considered for a children’s cough. Stick to ageappropriate formulations and always check with your pharmacist or pediatrician for dosing instructions, especially if the cough is severe or accompanied by other symptoms,” said Ferris. She added that for kids over age 12, you can use dextromethorphan or guaifenesin (an expectorant) for cough relief.

“Many families swear by a night time salve to help children sleep,” noted Harthman. “The salve is rubbed on the chest and neck at night. These have a long standing history of use in children ages 2 and up.”

We’re begging for medicine for kids under age 4.

Any parent who has held a snarfling, miserable toddler all night would give just about anything for a remedy.

“Unfortunately, there are no FDAapproved OTC cold or cough medications available for children under age 4 because many can be potentially lifethreatening. Young children’s bodies are more sensitive to medications and cold medicines can cause serious side effects such as rapid heart rate, seizures, or even death,” said Ferris.

Having some perspective can help. “Not all coughing is bad. Coughing helps to clear secretions,” said Vecchio-Miller. “Have realistic expectations of the course of a cold: in young children colds will usually begin to improve in 10 to 14 days. However, some coughs might stick around for three to four weeks. Older children and adolescents usually have their symptoms resolve a little quicker, in about a week.”

Vecchio-Miller cautioned, “Also recognize when to be seen. If symptoms are going longer than expected or worsening in anyway, they should be checked by a provider. Be sure to monitor for things such as high fever, or any difficulty in breathing or swallowing.” Harthman added, “If a cough or cold is persistent, reach out to your pediatrician or local health care provider. The greatest expert on your child is you — the parent.”

BRING partners with Lane County to power new sustainability education website

Have you ever spent longer than you’d like staring at packaging material, trying to figure out what bin it’s supposed to go in? Or maybe you’ve wondered why it’s been the hottest year on record for the third straight year? Sustainability education has become more critical in an era of environmental challenges and a rapidly changing climate.

Integrating waste prevention concepts into your child’s curriculum can teach students how to reduce their carbon footprint while fostering a sense of responsibility and empowering the next generation to make informed, ethical decisions for a sustainable future.

At BRING, we know how diverse our community’s educational needs are, so we’re excited to partner with Lane County on their new website, WasteWiseLane.org. There, you’ll find free waste prevention education programming, including lesson summaries, PowerPoint presentations and activity sheets, that can be used in classrooms or at home.

Whether you’d like to use these materials yourself, or schedule a classroom visit or tour with our educator, you can easily find the resources you need to help today’s students become the climate-forward leaders of tomorrow.

Jack Greenberg is BRING’s Waste Prevention Education Coordinator. Jack studied and worked with food system resource management at the UC Santa Barbara. Brought to you by:

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

WasteWiseLaneCounty @wastewiselanecounty

MOM’s

Favorite Local Places

SALEM AREA

...shop to pick up a gift or something for yourself:

The Find Furbish

Olive Boutique

Salem Saturday Market

The Wild Dandelion in Silverton

...coffee spot:

EUGENE AREA

...shop to pick up a gift or something for yourself:

MM Down to Earth Home, Garden & Gift

Goodwill

MM Hirons

Luxe at Oakway Center

Oak Street Vintage

Passionflower Designs

Provisions Market Hall

St. Vinnie’s

...coffee spot:

Coffeegarden

Dutch Bros

Human Bean

Horai

Magpie

Meraki

Perugino

Soko Coffee

Vero Espresso

...meetup spot for happy hour:

Gordon Tavern

MM The Pub at Laurelwood

Nelson’s in the Whit

MM PublicHouse

...spot to get a good workout: Burn Boot Camp

MM Eugene Family YMCA

Lagree Plus

Star Cycle

University of Oregon campus

...restaurant to take the kids: Bier Stein

Hot Mama’s Wings

Izumi Sushi & Grill

McMenamins East 19th St.

PLAY Eugene

Roaring Rapids

Sunriver Brewing Co.

Wheel Apizza Pub

...restaurants for a date night:

Gordon Tavern

Izakaya Meiji

MM Izumi Sushi

Marché

Party Downtown

Rye

...take-out, food truck or quick bite:

Oakshire Public House

Silva’s Taqueria Autentica (The Garden on Friendly)

Subo Sushi Burritos

MM Ta Ra Rin

Ume Grill (Hilyard)

...place where the kids can let off steam:

DEFY Eugene

MM Emerald Park

Mount Pisgah

Striker Field Park

Sheldon pool

Eugene Saturday Market

Meraki

DEFY Eugene

Provisions Market Hall

PLAY Eugene

ALBANY & CORVALLIS AREAS

...shop to pick up a gift for a friend:

First Alternative Co-Op - South Store

MM Golden Crane

Seoul Sisters

Sunlane Stones

Artisan Collective

...coffee spot: Interzone

The Dizzy Hen

Imagine Coffee

Margin

Tried & True

...events in your community:

Growing Ancestral Roots celebrations

Flynn Creek Circus

Majestic Theater

Movies in the Park

The Strawberry Festival

South Town Art Walk

River Rhythms

MM SAGE Summer Concerts

...place to treat yourself:

Corvallis Community Acupuncture

Corvallis Acupuncture & Wellness Center

Epic Day Spa

MK Nails

Star Nails

Pure Therapy Massage

...restaurant to take the kids:

Ai Ramen

The Barn at Hickory Station

Kinto Hibachi

La Rockita

Sam City Pho & Grill

MM Sugoi Sushi

....restaurants for a date night:

Aomatsu

Big Foot Grill

Brass Monkey

Del Alma

Hangry Solution

Sybaris

TarnTip Thai

...take-out, food truck or quick bite:

Ba’s Vietnamese Comfort Food

The Barn at Hickory Station

Big D’s County Hog

HK Asian Market

Homegrown Oregon Food

Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe

Tacos El Machin

Tallman Brewing

...meetup spot for happy hour:

1847 Bar & Grill

GameTime Sportsbar

Growler Café

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant

MM Squirrels Tavern

Golden Crane

Majestic Theater

The Dizzy Hen

Ba’s Vietnamese Comfort Food

Photo credit: Mark Hoffman

Dr. Brad Chvatal (541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com

1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene

1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove 2215 Willamette Street, Ste. B, Eugene

Got a snorer in your life? Get MAD.

If someone’s snoring is interrupting your sleep, there are solutions. In dentistry, we offer what is called a mandibular advancement device (MAD). The MAD is a specially designed dental device that gently helps keep the lower jaw, or mandible, in a forward position, increasing the space between the airway passage which allows for better breathing.

MADs are made to be comfortable to wear. It does not prevent breathing with the mouth open, which is sometimes a concern for patients. It can also eliminate snoring for patients with sinus congestion or allergies.

The MAD take a little bit of time to get used to. Patients say there is a slight stiffness of the jaw for the first few mornings after wearing the device, but that it’s temporary. Other types of dental devices stop the tongue from falling back over the windpipe. We will fit these special appliances to meet the individual’s unique needs.

To learn more about a mandibular advancement device, contact us for an appointment. Then everyone can happily settle in for a long winter’s nap.

Brought to you by:

Dealing

Effective

Uncover

Kidfriendly Curries

Nocomplaints of “toospicy!”with thesecrowd-pleasingcurrydinners.

Uncle G’s Paneer

Tikka Masala

15 ounces of paneer, cut in ½-inch cubes

1 to 1 1/2 cups cauliflower, diced into ½-inch pieces

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium white onion, finely diced (about 1 and 1/4 cups)

3 medium garlic cloves, minced

3 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

What is Paneer?

Paneer is a delicious non-melting cheese that is high in protein and low in lactose. Look for it in specialty cheese sections in grocery stores or at international food markets.

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat until thin and shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Add the garlic, ginger, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander and tumeric. Stir frequently until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes, honey, pepper and salt, then bring to a slow boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the paneer and cauliflower. Cook to desired tenderness of cauliflower. Slowly stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Simmer 2 minutes more.

5. Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.

Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

2 to 3 tablespoons coconut oil, olive oil may be substituted

1 medium/large sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, diced small

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

2 to 3 teaspoons ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 13-ounce can coconut milk; full-fat will deliver a richer/thicker result

1 to 1 ½ cups shredded carrots

1 to 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste, or to taste (curry powder may be substituted, to taste)

1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

3 cups fresh spinach leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar, optional and to taste

¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped for garnishing (basil may be substituted)

Rice, quinoa, or naan, optional for serving

1. To a large skillet, add the oil and onion, and sauté over medium-high heat until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes; stir intermittently.

2. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is done; flip and stir often to ensure even cooking.

3. Add the garlic, ginger and coriander and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant; stir frequently.

4. Add the coconut milk, carrots, Thai curry paste, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium, and allow mixture to gently boil for about 5 minutes, or until liquid volume has reduced as much as desired and thickens slightly.

5. Stir in the spinach and lime juice. Cook until spinach has wilted and is tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and optionally add brown sugar, additional curry paste, salt, pepper, etc.

6. Serve over rice and sprinkle with the cilantro. Curry is best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Thank you to Averie Cooks for this recipe! Visit her at averiecooks.com for more easy, tasty recipes made for real life.

The dreaded pink eye

Conjunctivitis, commonly called “pink eye,” refers to inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the thin transparent mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye.

Viral conjunctivitis is a common cause of pink eye in children which can occur with common colds or other respiratory infections. It’s quite contagious and can sweep through schools and play areas (and your home). Symptoms include redness and a gritty, painful feeling in the eyes. There can also be light sensitivity and watery discharge.

If your child shows signs of pink eye, it’s important to see your health care provider to learn what’s causing it and how to treat it. Some types of pink eye go away on their own, but others need treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment will help prevent the condition from becoming worse.

Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of viral conjunctivitis. Once an infection has been diagnosed, avoid touching eyes with hands, wash hands frequently and don’t share items that touch the eyes. Follow your doctor’s instructions, avoid wearing contact lenses as well as makeup. You may need to dispose of any items that are contaminated, as reinfection can occur.

1011 Valley River Way Suite 110, Eugene 541-342-2201 | sterlingvision.com

Brought to you by:

Dr. Ayda Porkar, OD

We see patients of all ages. Schedule your family visits today.

fax mommag.com | info@mommag.com