This holiday season, we invite you to experience a festive wonderland and classic winter traditions while you immerse yourself in the magic of Sunriver Resort. There is no better time to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Whether you want to stay in the heart of Sunriver Resort in a guest room or suite or choose a more private getaway in a vacation rental, you’ll find a way to stay that suits your family’s needs.
by Fremouw Photography
meet the experts
[They know what they’re talking about]
Motherhood
Journey to Motherhood with Crystal Massey, page 6
Vacation
Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC, page 12
Focus
Focus on MOM with Dr. Ayda Porkar, page 8
Pets
Pets are Family with Dr. Erica Harmon, page 10
Smile
Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 24
Beyond the Bin
Beyond the Bin with Daniel Hiestand, page 28
Body & Balance
Body & Balance with Dr. Chrissy Clark, page 20
Say Cheese
Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 30
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
Editor’s Note
It takes making a village
The moment you enter motherhood is overwhelming: for many of us, it’s looking into the eyes of a newborn and feeling a powerful love…followed by an equally powerful fear of wondering how we’re supposed to keep this tiny new human alive.
There’s a persistent idea that instincts will kick in and we’ll just figure it out, but those instincts don’t show up for everyone. And I’d argue there is nothing more complcated on this planet than humans, yet we’re expected to just wing it? Throw that idea away like a saturated overnight pull-up.
In the last few decades, parenting education has grown into the mainstream, and for good reason: it truly helps. When I was reading What to Expect When You’re Expecting (and alternately fascinated and horrified), I came to realize there is only so much you can learn on your own before you need to connect with others. I signed up for an expectant parenting class through my local hospital, which was one of the best parenting decisions I ever made because it set me on a course of finding my village.
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That phrase, it takes a village to raise a child. It turns out that the village doesn’t just appear at your doorstep when you really need it, like on those days when your toddler has you questioning karma or your teenager has lobbed an insult at you that cuts to the quick. If you have a loving extended family who lives nearby, you are lucky. Many parents do not have that luxury and must create their village through friends, neighbors and others. It takes extra work, but you do get to handpick the members.
And how do you find these candidates? Again, try a parenting class. I’m still connected to the mom friends from my first “baby class” where we swapped tips on teething and potty training. Now those babies are driving, and we share intel on how to lower our insurance costs. The need for learning never stops, and it’s far better to have your village to draw upon for advice. For parenting classes, look to your local community college, birthing centers, and often in this magazine. Parenting is much better with support. And bonus: you might find folks who are worthy of permanent residence in your village.
Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief
journey to motherhood
Pregnancy during flu season
To keep our pregnant patients safe, we follow the science — specifically, evidence-based recommendations.
Pregnancy brings changes in the immune system, heart and lungs, which increases the risk of severe influenza complications, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and increased risk of preterm labor and fetal complications. Given these risks, we provide our pregnant patients with evidence-based recommendations to protect both mom and baby.
Flu vaccine protection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend all pregnant people should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy. The inactivated influenza vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy, reducing the risk of influenzarelated hospitalization by 40% to 60%.
Receiving the influenza vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of influenza infection in both the mother and the infant for up to six months after birth.
References American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). [Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy] (https://www.acog.org/en/womens-health/faqs/ flu-vaccine-and-pregnancy).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). [Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy] (https:// www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/pregnant.htm).
Research shows no association between the influenza vaccine and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, preterm birth or congenital malformations.
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Frequent handwashing with soap and water, or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, has been shown to reduce the transmission of respiratory infections, including influenza. Practicing proper respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into one’s elbow, also helps decrease the spread of illness.
Avoid crowded places and sick people
During peak flu season, pregnant individuals should minimize exposure to crowded places and avoid contact with individuals known to have the flu. The flu is highly contagious, and avoiding crowded places where the virus can spread easily is a key preventive measure. Studies show reducing exposure to potential sources of infection can lower the risk of contracting it. Consider wearing KN95 masks when in crowded spaces.
Christian, L. M., et al. (2015). Immune changes in pregnancy and implications for the development of influenza and other infections. Journal of Immunology Research, 2015, 24. Jefferson, T., et al. (2011). Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).
Crystal Massey, CNM, MSN
oregonbirthandwellness.org
541-515-6556
890 Beltline Road in Springfield
Early
treatment with antivirals
Pregnant women who develop flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Antiviral medications (e.g., oseltamivir) should be initiated as early as possible. Antiviral medications are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset, though they can still be beneficial if started later. Early treatment with antivirals has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of influenza and decrease the risk of complications. The CDC recommends that pregnant individuals with suspected or confirmed influenza be treated with antiviral medications, as the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
General wellness and self-care
Anyone who is pregnant should maintain general wellness practices, including adequate rest, nutrition and hydration, to support their immune system during flu season. Following a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated and prioritizing rest helps reduce the risk of influenza and other infections.
McMillan, M., et al. (2015). Safety of influenza vaccines during pregnancy: A systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 212(5), 549-565. Monto, A. S. (2010). Epidemiology of influenza. Vaccine, 26(Suppl 4), D45-D48.
Brought to you by:
Nunes, M. C., et al. (2015). Influenza vaccination during pregnancy and protection against adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 16(9), 1023-1034. Rasmussen, S. A., et al. (2009). Pandemic Influenza and Pregnant Women: Summary of a Meeting of Experts. American Journal of Public Health, 99(Suppl 2), S248-S254.
Is nearsightedness increasing in kids?
Myopia, often called nearsightedness, is common and usually starts in childhood. With myopia, the eye is longer than normal or the cornea is too steeply curved. It typically progresses or increases over time until early adulthood.
Studies show myopia is becoming more common among children. Research suggests kids who spend more time indoors doing nearfocused activities (all that screen time, but also with traditional reading) have higher rates of myopia than those who spend more time doing outdoor activities.
Myopia control is important in children ages 6 to 15 years of age because this is the stage of life when it progresses or increases more quickly. It is also important in teenagers as their vision may continue to worsen but at a slower rate.
While myopia cannot be reversed, our goal is to keep it from getting worse. Myopia control uses a technique called peripheral defocus which can be done with glasses, contacts, eye drops and Ortho K overnight lenses (which reshape the eye by wearing lenses at night). Ask us about any of these treatments at your next eye exams.
Ayda Porkar, OD
Oh no, my dog ate a sock...now what?!
If you witness your dog eating a sock, you should contact your veterinarian right away. If the sock was ingested recently, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting. If some time has passed or your dog is acting ill, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays to see where it is in the intestinal tract as well as blood work to assess your pet’s overall health.
Ingestion of foreign objects could cause gastrointestinal issues, blockages or even death. Socks and other foreign material can get stuck in any part of your dog’s digestive system, preventing other food from passing through. This can cause inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which can lead to life-threatening tissue death. Surgery is often necessary if a blockage occurs.
Some signs that your dog may have developed a blockage:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea; or conversely, straining to defecate or producing small amounts of feces
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Behavioral changes, such as biting or growling when picked up or handled around the abdomen
If any of these signs develop you should seek immediate veterinary care for your little rascal. Our emergency veterinary services are available 24 hours a day, all year long, to help.
Brought
Harmon, DVM
Sunny Arizona
Arizona is filled with national and state parks, nature centers, museums, national monuments, lakes and so much more.
Arizona is easy to get to from the Eugene Airport: fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, or the PhoenixMesa Gateway Airport and you’re just a few hours away from all types of adventures. Everything is spread out so you will need a rental car and a navigation program to explore Arizona.
PHOENIX / SCOTTSDALE / MESA
There are endless options for activities in Central Arizona, which gets an average of 330 days of sunshine per year. The area boasts over 200 golf courses, and many resorts are based around golf, tennis and amazing swimming pools. There’s a rich history with many ways to learn about Native American culture as well as the Wild West. Outdoor activities are varied including biking, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, hot air balloon rides and jeep tours. A Segway tour of Old Town Scottsdale is a fun way to see the area and learn some history.
THE GRAND CANYON
It is an easy four-and-a-half-hour drive from the Phoenix area to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. A great place to stop along the way is the historic Route 66 town of Williams, which looks like the town of Radiator Springs from the Cars movies. Williams is also the location of the Grand Canyon Railway which has been operating since 1901. You can spend the night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and then take the leisurely train trip to the South Rim. The train ride features storytellers, musicians, and an Old West show. It’s a great family experience. At the South Rim there are many ways to experience the Grand Canyon: you can drive to the look-out points, take a bus tour, hike into the canyon, visit the museums and visitor centers, or rent a bike to ride along the canyon rim. There are pathways along the rim that allow your family to enjoy spectacular views while riding. Whatever you do, don’t miss the daily spectacle of natural beauty at sunrise and sunset.
SEDONA
Sedona claims to be “the most beautiful place on earth,” and it may be true. It is situated within 2 million acres of pristine national forest lands and only two hours from Phoenix. If you like to be outside and active, this is the place for you. Slide Rock State Park features natural water slides for family fun. Sedona offers some of the most picturesque hiking in the world, and the town itself features over 80 art galleries, top-notch restaurants, wine tasting, spiritual centers and peaceful spas.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA / TUCSON
and research center. It is now open to the public for educational tours ($27 for adults/ $15 for children).
There are endless options for activities in Central Arizona, which gets an average of 330 days of sunshine per year.
South of Tucson is Kartchner Caverns State Park. This has been voted the “Best Cave in the USA.” The caverns are a living limestone cave that was discovered in 1974 and opened to the public in 1999. Reservations for tours ($23 for adults/ $13 for youth) should be made in advance to visit this natural wonder.
AN IDEAL ITINERARY
Fly into Phoenix or Mesa and rent a car for a week. You can drive to Williams and stay overnight, and the next day take the Grand Canyon Railway into the Grand Canyon and stay for two nights at one of the historic lodges. This should give you time to go hiking, take a bike tour, visit the museums and visitor centers then catch a spectacular sunset and sunrise. After you ride the train back to Williams, you can drive about 90 minutes to Sedona and spend a couple of days visiting Slide Rock State Park, hiking in the Red Rocks and taking a Pink Jeep Tour. Driving back to the Phoenix/ Mesa/Scottsdale area takes about two hours.
If you want to venture the opposite direction, you can take a day trip or spend a few days exploring the southern part of Arizona. About two hours from Phoenix is the Biosphere 2, operated by the University of Arizona. You may remember the experiment in the early 1990s when scientists lived within this glass-enclosed science
If you want to continue another hour past Kartchner Caverns, you can visit old town Tombstone. This is the location of the OK Corral and it’s cheesy fun. Arrive by about 2 p.m. as they close early. Lots of saloons, little museums, stagecoach rides, cowboy shoot-outs, shops and Old West themed activities.
The next time you’re craving some sunshine and outdoor adventure, make your escape to Arizona. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
MEET VACATION MOM TM
A perfect way to end your vacation is a few days relaxing around the pools at one of the resorts in this desert playground. There are gorgeous resorts with expansive pools featuring swim-up bars and waterslides. Order a tropical beverage, and you might think you are in Hawaii.
Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport
Donnita Bassinger has been a travel agent for over three decades and is the owner of VIP Vacations. She enjoys sending families on vacations around the world. She is a mom to three and lives in Eugene, and she looks forward to making your travel dreams become a reality.
Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 @VacationMOMpage
Megan Bassett
PROFESSION: Community liaison for Café Mam Coffee & lead singer for The Sugar Beets
COMMUNITY: Eugene
PARTNER: Matt Keenan, civil engineer/ owner KPFF Consulting Engineers & bass player for The Sugar Beets
CHILDREN: Rohan, age 21; Pearl, age 18; and Sean, age 16
PHOTOS BY: LIVIA FREMOUW
THROUGH PARENTING, WORK AND A RECENT HEALTH CRISIS, THIS MOM OF THREE JUST KEEPS ON SINGING.
Family comes first.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. Matt Keenan and I met at a bike repair shop near U of O when we were students. He grew up in Eugene and knew the best free fun in town. A month later, we began playing music with The Sugar Beets. Thirty-five years and three kids later, we’re still playing music together.
Our son Rohan is a senior at OSU. He studied all year in Copenhagen last year. We are proud of his passion for travel and making friends from around the world, and of his humility and kindness. His love of the outdoors is balanced with his love for technology that is beautiful and efficient.
MOM’s Favorite...
Tell us about your favorite…
…family game: “That’s a great band name. What’s the album called? What’s the first song?”
…binge-worthy TV or podcast: Green Frontier, Reservation Dogs, House of Flowers, Handsome Podcast
…inspirational quote:
“Our capacity to destroy one another is matched by our capacity to heal one another.”
― Bessel A. van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score
…parenting books: Birthing From Within by Pam England, Heaven on Earth by Sharifa Oppenheimer
Our daughter Pearl is a senior at South Eugene High School where she sings in the Dorians jazz choir. Pearl has always wanted to be a veterinarian and currently works at Balance Veterinary Care. We are so proud of her drive and strong sense of herself. She is the reason we have two dogs and two cats and they get amazing holistic care.
Our youngest, Sean, just turned 16 and is very excited to have his license. He loves to play baseball and golf and will be a sophomore on the baseball team at South Eugene High School this spring. He is the reason I learned to say “uniform” instead of “costume,” and “practice” instead of “rehearsal.”
When did you know you wanted to be a mom? At age 32, we’d been living in Portland working by day and traveling around the West playing music about every weekend. I didn’t want to give anything
up, but I realized that neither did I want to grow old without children. If we were going to do it, we’d better get started.
What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? Uneaten snacks, Nerf bullets, a “buried” dog bone and so many guitar picks.
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. I wish I had a witty story to tell, but the truth is that in 2021, I went through treatment for breast cancer and a year later, found myself feeling very unstable and afraid. I began to have huge emotional episodes. After several months of searching for an explanation, I was diagnosed with CPTSD. This has meant essentially, that any unprocessed trauma from my childhood has been brought to the surface and is easily triggered, manifesting in emotions consummate with childhood experiences, but not in keeping with current circumstances. For example, fearing being abandoned by my (very devoted) husband for making plans without me or betrayed by my daughter or best friend over a small misunderstanding. I have had wonderful support from my therapist and acupuncturist who specializes in trauma recovery for over a year now and have made a lot of progress.
Our whole family has had a crash course in mental health issues and has become self-aware at new levels. It has been humbling in more ways than I can count. I have gained immense compassion for
QA &
MOMs Love Local...
We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…shop to pick up a gift: Passionflower
…coffee spot: Coffeegarden, Horai
…spot to get a good workout: YMCA
…place to treat yourself to a massage or other personal service: Body of Light Family Chiropractic (& massage)
…restaurants to take the kids: Roaring Rapids, PLAYEugene, McMenamins East 19th St.
…restaurants for a date night: Izakaya Meiji, Party Downtown, Gordon Tavern
…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Ta Ra Rin, Ume Grill (Hilyard), Silva’s Taqueria Autentica (The Garden on Friendly)
…meetup spot for happy hour: The Pub at Laurelwood
…place where the kids can let off steam: Emerald Park, dancing to music at Saturday Market, Mount Pisgah swimming in the river
…event in your community: Oregon Country Fair
…any other local places you love: Emerald Park, Mountain Rose Mercantile, Down to Earth
anyone who is struggling with mental health and a heightened awareness of my privilege. If I did not have people who love me (shout out to my sister Brianna and bandmates in The Sugar Beets) and good health care, I could have easily lost my job, my marriage, or even my home during the worst of it. PTSD of any kind is no joke.
No one works harder than mom.
Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. Café Mam coffee has been my favorite coffee since the 1990s. Having studied Latin American history and politics and Spanish language at U of O, I understood the reality of genocide and brutal oppression of first peoples by colonizers for financial gain. I fell in love with the aroma and flavor of Café Mam coffee, and then I learned that they are one of a small number of organic and fair-trade companies that have been working to empower indigenous and non-indigenous small-scale coffee producers since 1990. It had been a dream of mine to work for an ethical company like this since I graduated college, and in 2019 the stars aligned. As the community liaison, I deliver talks and presentations on Café Mam’s 34-year history working directly with coffee cooperatives in Chiapas, Mexico. Café Mam Coffee is certified fair trade by the first label founded by and for small parcel landholders fighting for the true cost of production being integrated into the market price for organic coffee.
Matt and I are founding members of local band, The Sugar Beets. I sing lead and he plays the bass. We began “jamming” together with our friends as students in 1989 and, for some reason, people really liked what we were doing and invited us to do it more!
What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? Right out of college, I worked for Migrant Education in Lane County and in Hillsboro. While registering children for services in school or free accident insurance, parents shared their painful stories of struggle and loss that accompanied
bringing their families to the US. I witnessed the racism, prejudice and unfair treatment those families endured by their neighbors and school staff. I was humbled by the kindness and generosity of heart with which I was met in spite of my whiteness, and I loved my students very much. My skills at age 25 were feeble and my attempts to contribute or make change felt futile. I have tried to help my own children have some measure of understanding of their privilege.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.
Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? Before my father passed, he encouraged my love of literature, poetry and learning in general. He had a beautiful baritone voice and would sing loudly and in public. This embarrassed me, but I secretly loved it. He was funny and gregarious and lit up a room with his infectious personality. I think each of my siblings and I carry a little piece of his love of people and music. Losing my dad was the hardest part of my childhood, but not the only hard part.
The losses and disappointments in my teen years impacted me more than I ever appreciated. My dad gave me a sensitivity and love for learning, but his absence gave me a deep feeling of loneliness that has sometimes come back to haunt me, have me turn on myself, and made me unable to see how my sadness can affect others.
Losing my right breast to cancer has reignited those feelings of loss and grief I didn’t even know I still needed to work through. These truths have influenced my parenting in great and terrible ways. Our house has often been filled with music and wonderful people and my kids learned to fall asleep to the joyful sounds of strings being plucked and even the drums. My kids are confident and creative, but they’ve known both the fear of potentially losing their mom to cancer and of losing their mom to her own demons. We are working through it all together and learning to accept the
breadth and depth of our humanity. We are learning what trauma recovery looks like and how to celebrate every good thing. What is something you will NEVER do again? I will never take my health or my body for granted again.
Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Saving money. I love to buy small gifts for friends, pay for lunch and donate, but now I need to help get three kids through college.
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? Play guitar so I could accompany myself. Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you. I was a Russian Language major before studying Spanish.
Who is your favorite real-life hero? My husband. He has kept his cool through so many of our trials and is the most loyal, hardworking and honest man alive. He is a great boss, a fearless and devoted father, a groovy bass player and he loves me despite my shadows.
Listen to mom.
Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? What surprised me the most is how much energy (physical and emotional/mental) my love and concern for my children requires and for how long. I think I thought it would be challenging for a few years then get easy. LOL.
Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My mom has been super devoted to all four of us all of our lives. She figured out how to get us all through school, on to college and has managed to remember all of our kids’ birthdays and milestones and be a very involved grandparent. She has been a single mom from the time my dad passed in 1984. What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Trust yourself. If it feels like too much it is. Seek help when it feels like too much. You should love yourself and if you can’t, there is help for that.
WHAT YOU R CHILD’S school bus driver
Wants you to know
By this point in the school year, you and your kids have probably gotten into a routine when it comes to riding the bus. As moms, we’re mostly focused on our own children, but don’t forget that adult in the school bus driver’s seat — they’re looking out for your kids, too.
SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS
It makes sense to wait with your child for the school bus, because… shenanigans. For kindergarten students, a parent or guardian is required to be present in most districts, for both pick-up and drop-off. For older students, things get a bit murkier and are up to parents.
LeeAnne Poris, operations supervisor for Greater Albany Public School District’s transportation department, said that while it is up to the parent/ guardian, adult supervision is always a good idea. “It’s helpful to have a responsible adult at the bus stop to help ensure that the children are being respectful of the property they are waiting on and also help maintain good behavior.”
As kids get into upper elementary grades, they may not want mom hanging around. “Maturity of the student and distance to the bus stop would be variables parents should consider,” said Angela Taylor, operations manager for Student Transportation of America, which is used by the Corvallis School District.
Taylor recommends that any student who walks alone to or from the bus should know their home address and parent phone number. Nathan Misner, transportation manager for the Eugene School District agrees and adds, “Parents should learn the transportation department’s phone number if they need to know route status or details about their child.”
A safety consideration you might not have on your radar: eating. Taylor noted, “Eating on the bus is a huge safety concern given the risk of choking. Parents can set their kiddos up for success by not sending them to the bus stop while eating.”
Scooters and skateboards are another concern. Parents and children alike need to abide by their school district’s transportation policy. For instance, in the Corvallis School District skateboards must be secured in a backpack that can be stowed under their seat without rolling. “Unfortunately there have been times when drivers have arrived to a stop where a student has a skateboard that isn’t secured. In this situation the driver must refuse transportation. Scooters are not allowed on buses,” said Taylor.
STAY IN THE KNOW
When it comes to late or rerouted buses, you want to be informed as quickly as possible. Each school district has its own preferred channels. If your child is walking to or from the bus by themselves and you are leaving for work yourself, this is essential for when a bus is late, canceled or rerouted.
“Our district communicates through an auto dialer system to phones, website notifications, and now through a bus-specific parent portal/ routing program called My Ride. It gives parents access to push notifications about the route,” said Misner.
Like Eugene, the Corvallis district has also begun using My Ride. Taylor said, “Dispatchers can send targeted messages via app notifications or email, cutting out the middle-man making communications more timely. Through the My Ride K-12 app parents are also able to view a map showing where their student’s bus is so students aren’t waiting out in the rain.”
In Albany, notifications are sent through an app called ParentSquare. Poris said, “If we have to cancel a bus route we send out a ParentSquare notification to the families of the schools involved as early as possible. We will also send a ParentSquare notification if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late.”
MAKING IT BETTER
A nationwide shortage of school bus drivers has meant a squeeze on timing and routing that many parents have felt. Poris notes they, like many other districts, are actively hiring bus drivers: “Having more drivers will help make sure we don’t have to cancel any routes, which we know is a headache for our families.”
It’s also heartening to know that, “Unlike other states, Oregon Department of Education has additional training requirements including continuing education designed to prepare drivers to not only provide safe transportation, but also student management skills and how to deal with challenges on the bus,” said Taylor. For parents and kids relying on safe transportation, that goes a long way.
FUN SCHOOL BUS FACTS
• School buses began in the U.S. soon after primary education became compulsory, first as wagons with bench seating and loading doors positioned to not scare the horses.
• We’re kinda cute: From outside of North America, many people view school buses adorably quaint, and wonder, “Do you pay a fare? Are there tickets? I thought it was only in movies!”
• The iconic yellow color was invented for visibility in semi-darkness. It’s known officially as National School Bus Glossy Yellow.
body & balance
Dr. Chrissy Clark, PT, DPT, WCS, CFL-2 dualitypelvichealthandwellness.com Call or text: 541-357-3839
Physical therapy during & after breast cancer
Breast cancer treatment is a challenging journey. After treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, many people experience physical side effects such as pain, lymphedema, fatigue and restricted movement, particularly in the shoulder, neck, abdominal and chest areas. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these difficulties, physical therapy can play a vital role during and after treatment to regain strength, mobility and confidence.
A physical therapist specializing in pelvic health and/or oncology can create a personalized program to help ease any limitations and improve quality of life. This may include gentle stretching exercises, strength training, compression garment fitting and hands-on techniques like manual lymphatic drainage or non-painful myofascial release. They may also provide education on safe movement and activity levels, empowering patients to gradually return to their daily activities and hobbies.
The psychological benefits are also important: physical therapy supports emotional healing by fostering a sense of control and progress, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression often associated with the recovery process. By addressing specific physical challenges and providing tailored support, physical therapy empowers others to navigate their recovery with comfort and resilience.
Brought to you by:
Supporting a mom friend through cancer
WHEN A MOM WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN IS GOING THROUGH CANCER TREATMENT, SHE MUST SOMEHOW MANAGE TO CARE FOR HER OWN SERIOUS HEALTH NEEDS AND HER CHILDREN. HERE’S HOW TO HELP.
WHAT TO SAY
SAY: I’m here for you.
DON’T SAY: My cousin/aunt/mother died from that, but I’m sure you’ll be fine. This kind of comment is not encouraging to hear.
SAY: I’m bringing you food/cleaning your house/taking your kids for the day.
DON’T SAY: Let me know how I can help. This puts the coordination of efforts on the sick person. Be specific about what and when, so she doesn’t have to expend energy thinking about the logistics.
SAY: I’m sorry you’re going through this.
DON’T SAY: It must be your underwire bras/the diet pop you drink/ your cell phone…keep the wacky (and unfounded) theories to yourself.
WHAT TO DO
Make meals that can be frozen: kid-friendly dinners are especially appreciated.
Take her kids for an afternoon, including pickup and drop off. Feed them, and bring leftovers back with you.
Clean out, wash and vacuum her car. Pick a chore, any chore and just do it: clean some windows, sweep the porch, weed the garden — it all helps!
WHAT NOT TO FORGET
Many cancer survivors say that after they reach remission, another level of emotional processing begins. Be supportive when they have scanxiety (anxiety before follow-up scans). Mark your friend’s cancer-versary on your calendar and reach out to them near the date, to let them know you’re thinking of them.
WHAT TO GIFT
• Gift cards for local restaurants
• Ginger candies, lollipops for nausea
• Protein shakes and bars
• Heating pad, lap blanket, shawl, warm socks
• Good quality, unscented skin and lip moisturizers (scented products can be irritating)
• Soft toothbrush, numbing mouthwash
• Shower covers for PICC lines: try Mighty-Well.com
• Box of disposable face masks
• Handwritten card or letter expressing how much she means to you
• Hoodies, shirts made for postsurgery, ease of access to ports: try InspiredComforts.com
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Words matter at dental visits
Words matter at dental visits
For younger children, a trip to the dentist office can seem scary. In our office, we aim to make visits go smoothly (and fun, given that we have a giant slide in our lobby!). Children pick up on what is said and unsaid, which is why we use “soft” words when describing some of our instruments and procedures.
For younger children, a trip to the dentist office can seem scary. In our office, we aim to make visits go smoothly (and fun, given that we have a giant slide in our lobby!). Children pick up on what is said and unsaid, which is why we use “soft” words when describing some of our instruments and procedures.
When it comes to little kids, we encourage parents to use softer replacement words, such as:
When it comes to little kids, we encourage parents to use softer replacement words, such as:
Do not say Our equivalent Needle or shot ........................................ Sleepy juice
Do not say ....................................... Our equivalent Needle or shot Sleepy juice
Nitrous oxide gas ...................................... Happy air
Nitrous oxide gas Happy air
Children are resilient, strong, fierce and funny. They’ll learn the true terminology later in life, but for now, in this sweet and all-too-short time of childhood, softness wins.
Children are resilient, strong, fierce and funny. They’ll learn the true terminology later in life, but for now, in this sweet and all-too-short time of childhood, softness wins.
Potato/Potahto…
HOWEVER YOU SAY IT, THIS VERSATILE STARCH CALLS TO US WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS AND THE NIGHTS GROW LONG.
Classic Shepherd’s Pie
2 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 lb ground beef, turkey or lamb
½ teaspoon rosemary
½ teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 1/2 – 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and boiled
8 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup half-and-half
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup grated parmesan
Add oil and chopped onion to a heated pan and cook until onion is tender. Add the ground meat and season with parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.
Add Worcestershire sauce and minced garlic. Once cooked, add in the tomato paste and flour a little at a time to thicken the mixture.
Next, add the beef broth and frozen peas, carrots and corn. Cook until vegetables are soft then remove from heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, mash potatoes with butter and half-and-half. Add parmesan and garlic powder, and more salt and pepper to taste.
In a casserole dish, cover the bottom with meat and vegetable mixture. Then layer the potatoes over top, making sure to meet the edges of the dish.
Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes.
Potato
pancakes
4 cups shredded potatoes, rinsed in cold water and gently squeezed dry
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons onion, grated
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ - ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except for the oil. Form the potato mixture into small pancakes, using about a ½ cup for each one. Set aside.
In a deep skillet, pour about a ¼ inch of the oil and heat over medium-high. When the oil is hot, fry the pancakes until they are golden brown on each side. Drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Finish with chopped green onions and serve with sour cream or other dips.
JOJOS ARE A NORTHWEST THING
If you order JoJos outside the Northwest part of the U.S., you’ll likely be met with confusion. The term JoJos is commonly used in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and parts of the upper Midwest, while they’re known as potato wedges to the rest of the country.
JoJo Potatoes
6 medium russet potatoes, sliced into long wedges
½ cup melted butter
½ cup flour
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the flour, parmesan, paprika, salt and pepper into a zip-style plastic bag.
Dip the potato wedges in butter, then lightly dredge them in the bag of dry ingredients. Tap off the excess flour mixture from each wedge before arranging in a single layer, on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, or until browned and fork-tender.
Daniel Hiestand
New website brings sustainability to classrooms
In late 2022, Waste Wise Lane County — a part of Lane County Waste Management — contacted 2,000-plus county educators via survey and focus groups to gauge how much county students learn about environmental sustainability topics. Nearly 500 educators responded to the survey, and 45 participated in focus groups.
The most significant takeaways:
• 81% are unfamiliar with Lane County sustainability programs.
• 53% do not know if their district has a sustainability plan.
• Nearly 50% of teachers report their students engaging in sustainability topics.
• 29% reported rarely teaching sustainability; 26% taught at least once per semester, and 21% taught sustainability issues at least once a month.
• A lack of access to ready-made classroom materials was cited as the biggest roadblock.
To address this, Lane County has created a new sustainability education website, WasteWiseLane.org, slated to launch this fall. The platform will organize sustainability content (activities, lesson plans and field trips) by grade, subject and program focus and is geared toward teachers, parents and district administrators.
These free resources will help teachers instruct on everything from preventing food waste to understanding climate science to advances in renewable energy. Visit WasteWiseLane.org to learn more and help us spread the word!
Daniel Hiestand has been the Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator since 2022. Brought to you by:
Scan the code and discover simple and effective parenting solutions to:
Hassle-free mealtimes
Fighting and aggression
Managing Bedtime Routines
Dealing with disobediencee
Effective communication skills
Uncover what works best for your family. Your path to stress-free parenting starts here! anaging
Waste Wise Lane County empowers residents, schools and businesses with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably.
WasteWiseLaneCounty @wastewiselanecounty
say cheese
Braces have changed for the better
As an adult, your memories of orthodontia were likely ones of bulky metal brackets and clunky headgear, straight out of a teen rom-com. The good news for you and your kids: we’ve made a lot of improvements over the past few decades. Here are some of my favorites…
3D modeling | The goop used in making molds of teeth is gone. Nowadays, we use 3D scanning technology to construct a model of the mouth. It only takes a few minutes, has increased accuracy and no radiation – and no more gagging on the goop!
3D printing – Retainers for Life | With in-office 3D printing, we make retainers and aligners for a lower cost than ever before. This is the foundation of our Retainers for Life program. Gone are the days of spending hundreds on replacing lost retainers.
Invisalign | Having clear, removable aligners for mild to moderate teeth straightening has been a game-changer. Patients love them for comfort, aesthetics and ease of removal for eating and cleaning…and orthodontists love them because our patients do!
Smaller, lighter materials | Even traditional braces have improved. Brackets are smaller and lighter, and wires are thinner and more flexible. This means less pain and greater comfort for patients.
Cone beam CT scanning | With 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography, we get better visualization of the teeth, jaws, joints and airway, giving improved precision in the movement of teeth and placement of braces or aligners.
Brought to you by:
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
