Suppor t Your Child’s Health this School Year
School is just around the corner! Getting back to school can mean changes, particularly for your child’s health and happiness. But there are things you can do as a parent to support a healthy lifestyle year-round.
To help keep your child healthy and happy this coming school year, we recommend:
1. Keeping them up to date on vaccines: This includes an annual flu vaccine and available COVID-19 series and boosters. This fall, schedule flu shots for the whole family.
2. Knowing when to keep them home: If your child is symptomatic, it’s a good idea to see your pediatrician and follow their recommendations. Keep an eye out for highly contagious illnesses like COVID-19, the flu, lice, pink eye, and strep throat, in particular.
3. Teaching them to wash their hands properly.
4. Training them to cough into their sleeves to avoid spreading germs.
5. Encouraging proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep.
6. Letting them play outside! Even an hour of moderate to vigorous activity a day can strengthen a child’s immune system and boost their overall sense of well-being.
Need a pediatrician you can trust? Our pediatricians are board-certified and practice alongside our many specialists. Together, they provide pediatric care that’s comprehensive, coordinated, and convenient.
what‘s inside It’s that counts
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Photos by Marilla Kay
Health
Let’s Talk Health with Samaritan Health Services, page 6
Home
Reimagine Your Home with Rylee Henderer, page 8
Support
Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 10
meet the experts
[They know what they’re talking about]
Smile
Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam page 7
Pets
Pets are Family with Dr. Tess Guy, page 12
Thrive
Helping Kids Thrive with Karen Swanger, page 14
Say Cheese
Say Cheese with Dr. Wade Haslam, page 28
Learn
Partners in Education with Anna Marie Gosser, page 22
Focus
Focus on MOM with Dr. Carli Lancaster, page 30
Natural Choices with Jasmin Woodside, page 24
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 Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036
Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com
Editor’s Note
Smells like back-to-school spirit
There are many calendars to live by but one has me in its clutches for life: the school calendar.
Once I turn the page on my wall calendar to August, core memories roll to the forefront of my mind, much like in the Inside Out movies.
Girlhood moments come rushing back, like my first day of kindergarten coinciding with my birthday. Or, the pleated, plaid skirt I bought at Washington Square for my first day at my new Portland high school that I heard was fancy (it was not; I was overdressed and itchy). The smells of back-to-school are particularly indelible: a pack of crayons with the built-in sharpener, a certain crispness to September mornings, freshly sharpened number two pencils….
Back-to-school time always gave me hope of a fresh, new year in which I could reinvent myself. This would be the year I would master the art of straightening my hair, become a fashion icon of my school and finally turn into a popular girl. I was just one popped collar away from greatness!
It’s no wonder I still feel tethered to an academic calendar: I attended school for 20 years. Then I was a teacher for five years, and having children has added another 12 to the running total. If I’m lucky enough to live a long life, I’ll be a shuffling granny and still have a late summer urge to memorize a new schedule and locker combination.
As my boys go off to school this fall, I’m in the procurement mode of school supplies, clothes and backpacks. I still feel that tug of wanting to improve myself, sans jelly shoes and neon splatter prints. Have a great school year, even if you’re not formally in one.
Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief
P.S. Go and see Inside Out 2. It was really good.
Me in eighth grade. I’m sparing you my cringey ninth grade one, where a large breakout on my cheek probably should have been checked for impetigo.
QA
Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.
Q: How can I tell if I’m at risk for certain cancers of the cervix, uterus or ovaries?
A: It has been said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that starts with screening for gynecologic cancers as the first line of defense.
Pap smears screen for cervical cancer and are recommended every three years starting at age 21 through 65. Risk factors for cervical cancer include early onset sexual activity, multiple partners or unprotected sexual intercourse. Cervical cancers are not hereditary.
Currently there is no standard screening recommendation for uterine cancer. However, a common risk factor of uterine cancer is obesity. Symptoms include heavy or irregular bleeding before menopause. Any bleeding after menopause should be evaluated right away. Uterine cancer may be inherited, so individuals with a family history of colon, stomach, liver, kidney, brain or prostate cancers may have an increased risk.
There is no proven effective screening strategy for ovarian cancer. Risk factors include advanced age, never having been pregnant, obesity or endometriosis. Pro-
tective factors include pregnancy, breastfeeding and more than 10 years of oral contraceptive use. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include bloating, abdominal distention or pain and feeling full with little food. Most cases of ovarian cancer are sporadic but individuals with a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer may have an increased risk.
If you have a strong family history of cancer, talk with your doctor to discuss preventive options.
— Andrea Buras, MD, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Gynecologic Oncology
Q: I want to get my kids the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, but I’m concerned about side effects. What do I do?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 85% of people will get HPV in their lifetime, increasing the risk for cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, mouth or anus. Fortunately, the vaccine can help prevent the formation of these cancers.
Vaccines like Gardasil can prevent infection for nine strains of the human papilloma virus that can cause cancer. The vaccine is given as
a three-part series and is recommended for females and males, ages 9 through 45. Common side effects are often minor such as redness, pain or itching at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare and occur less than 1% of the time. The vaccine is 98% effective.
Early prevention of certain cancers is an option. But if you have concerns about your kids getting the HPV vaccination, please talk with their pediatrician.
— Erica Takimoto, MD, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Gynecologic Oncology
Brought to you by:
When to talk braces
Many parents consider getting their children started with braces. Two common parental concerns: does my child need braces, and if so, when is the best time to start the process?
If you have already established a “dental home,” your pediatric dentist can discuss any concerns or questions you have about braces during your child’s routine cleaning appointment. We advise parents on if and when the time for orthodontic care is appropriate, and we send a referral to an orthodontist of their choice.
Prior to starting orthodontic treatment, we recommend your child have a well-established oral hygiene routine, and that they see their pediatric dentist if they are due for their routine appointment.
During orthodontic treatment, cleaning appointments with your pediatric dentist are especially important to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and cavity-free. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
A GOOD MUDROOM TURNS CHAOS INTO CALM
With summer winding down and the school year approaching, a well-organized mudroom can be a lifesaver for busy moms. Get ready to design a mudroom that makes the grade.
DEFINE & DESIGN
Start by choosing a convenient location near the entryway for your mudroom. If you don’t have a dedicated room, a well-organized corner or hallway can suffice. Design the space with functionality in mind, incorporating builtin storage, seating and durable materials that can withstand heavy use.
IMPLEMENT PRACTICAL SHOE STORAGE
Shoes can quickly clutter a mudroom, so it’s crucial to have a practical storage solution. Consider open shelving, cubbies or a shoe rack, making sure it’s easy for kids to access and store their shoes neatly. This helps maintain order and reduces tripping hazards.
Rylee Henderer | DESIGNER
MAXIMIZE STORAGE & SEATING
Install cubbies or lockers for each family member to store backpacks, shoes and jackets. Use hooks at varying heights for coats, hats and bags, ensuring they are easily accessible for kids. Incorporate a sturdy bench for sitting while putting on shoes and opt for a design with built-in storage underneath. This not only maximizes space but also provides a convenient spot to stow items.
CREATE A COMMAND CENTER
Integrate a command center within your mudroom to keep track of schedules, assignments and important reminders. A wallmounted calendar or whiteboard is essential for jotting down dates and to-dos, while a corkboard or magnetic board can display
Rylee Henderer grew up around construction job sites, sweeping up endless sawdust in the shop. She formally joined her family’s business in 2017 and learned everything from demolition and framing, to tile and cabinetry installation. From there, Rylee grew into client management, and along the way found a love for design. She is now a full-time designer, creating beautiful, innovative spaces for Henderer Design + Build + Remodel.
school newsletters, permission slips and artwork. A small mail organizer can help sort through incoming and outgoing mail, ensuring nothing gets lost.
PERSONALIZE & PREPARE FOR SEASONS
Add personal touches to make the mudroom inviting and functional. Family photos, motivational quotes or artwork can give the area a homey feel. Allow your kids to choose their own hooks, bins or labels to encourage them to take ownership of their space. Prepare for seasonal changes by dedicating space for jackets and school supplies now, and rotating items as needed for winter or other seasons.
MAINTAIN CLEANLINESS & ADAPTABILITY
Choose durable, easy-to-clean materials for flooring and storage to handle the inevitable dirt and moisture. Place a mat or rug by the entrance to catch debris. Design your mudroom to adapt over time with adjustable shelves, movable hooks and versatile storage solutions that can evolve with your family’s needs.
CONSIDER A PET WASH
If you’re going all-in on a mudroom remodel, consider a pet wash: it saves your back, and your pet likely prefers having their spa day at home rather than elsewhere. Pet washes are also incredibly handy for cleaning oversized items that won’t fit in a sink.
Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor
922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112
Corvallis, OR 97330
kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360
Communicating with your child’s teachers
As the school year kicks off, building strong communication with your child’s teachers is key to a successful year. Here are some tips to help you establish and maintain effective communication...
Start with an initial meeting || Take advantage of any initial parent-teacher meetings to discuss your child’s strengths, areas for improvement and specific needs. Share important information, such as medical conditions, effective behavioral strategies and your child’s interests.
Create a communication plan || Work with teachers to set a clear (and realistic) communication plan. Decide on the best methods for staying in touch (email, phone or communication apps), the frequency of updates, and the type of information to be shared. Regular check-ins help you stay informed and address issues promptly. On that same note, parents need to respond to teachers promptly. In a highly virtual world, checking your emails at least a few times a week is necessary, if not more.
Read the newsletter || Many school districts provide a newsletter delivered monthly to parents. This is a great way to stay involved!
Be an advocate for your child || Advocate for your child’s needs by clearly communicating any required accommodations or modifications. Provide necessary documentation, such as IEPs or 504 plans, and ensure teachers understand how to implement these supports.
Get it in writing || Many parents have children who are being sent home or reprimanded frequently for behavior struggles. Ask for written documentation of why a child was asked to be picked up or provided a consequence. This will help you identify skills that need to be worked on at home and advocate for your child if needed.
Stay positive and collaborative || Most teachers want to do the right thing for their students and parents. Show appreciation for teachers’ efforts and acknowledge their challenges. When issues arise, discuss them calmly and work together to find solutions. Building a strong partnership with your child’s educator will make you feel great, and benefit your child’s educational experience.
Brought to you by:
KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Austin Brunson has joined the practice of Dr. Jeffrey Carl. Dr. Brunson was born and raised in Albany and is deeply rooted in our local communities. He graduated from West Albany High School and then from Oregon State University. During school Dr. Brunson worked locally at O’Brien Dental Lab before attending dental school at the Roseman University of Health Sciences. He has a kind heart, a warm smile and is committed to providing excellent patient care as well as outstanding dentistry.
Keep pets safe from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke is unhealthy for everyone, including our pets. It’s best to keep animals indoors as much as possible during smoky/poor air quality conditions, with the windows shut. Dogs and cats can go outside for very short periods of time to relieve themselves.
Avoid rigorous outdoor activity or prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke whenever possible. If your pet needs ways to exercise indoors, consider hiding treats around the house for them to find, or using a puzzle feeder. Birds are extremely susceptible to smoke and should always be kept indoors during periods of poor air quality.
Animals with heart or breathing problems are at a greater risk of serious health complications when in smoky environments. Signs that your pet may be struggling with smoke include coughing/ gagging, difficulty breathing (open-mouthed breathing, using abdomen muscles to breathe, increased breathing rate), eye or nasal discharge, inflammation of throat or mouth, tiredness/weakness, decreased appetite and/or thirst and disorientation. If your pet experiences any of these signs, please consult your veterinarian.
Replacing house air filters prior to fire season as well as having a portable air purifier can be beneficial. Visit airnow.gov, and talk with your veterinarian to learn more about protecting your pets.
Liz Baer CPM, LDM
Julia Bailey CPM, LDM, IBCLC
Brought to you by:
Tess Guy, DVM Ark Animal Hospital
The lifesaving benefits of learning to swim
Swimming is more than a sport — it has the potential to save your child’s life. With drowning as a leading cause of death among children, learning to swim is an essential skill. Beyond safety, swimming improves heart rate, strength, flexibility and stamina. It also improves balance and posture.
Because swimming is a water sport, it allows for less injury as it is low-impact. Our bodies are buoyant in water, allowing us to be less prone to injury while also using a variety of muscle groups.
Learning to swim can also be applied to other sports, teaching children teamwork and individuality. Swimmers develop endurance as they engage in a high-intensity cardio workout, building a strong foundation for other athletic endeavors.
Teaching your child the fundamentals of water safety now can equip them with a lifesaving skill. Dive into a world of swimming and provide your child with the gift of health, safety tools — and fun!
July 31-Aug 3
Good News Corral
Visit our kids’ booth at the Benton Fair, with face painting, balloons and fun
Aug. 9
Sept. 14
Discover CEF Free BBQ at Walnut Barn Martin Luther king, Jr. Park, Corvallis, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Good News Club Registration Games, prizes, free food, bounce house and more! office@cefbentoncounty.org | Call/text: 541-223-7901
Visit our website at cefbentoncounty.org
Oct. 2-4
Good New Clubs
Meetings throughout the week in Alsea, Corvallis, Monroe and Philomath
QA &
PROFESSION Owner/cook of Pupuseria Del Valle
COMMUNITY Corvallis
PARTNER
Ryan Hanson, systems engineer
CHILDREN
Beck, age 17, and Atlas, age 11
PHOTOS BY:
MARILLA KAY PHOTOGRAPHY
MOM’s Favorite...
Tell us about your favorite…
…family game: Root, Ticket to Ride, Splendor
…place to find some peace & quiet: A walk in the forest or swinging in the hammock.
…binge-worthy TV or podcast: Battlestar Galactica
…way to get out of making dinner: You guys make dinner tonight, I’ll be yard working.
…inspirational quote: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”
— Lao Tzu
Arely Hanson
THIS MOM OF TWO IS A SELF-DESCRIBED SALVADORAN CINDERELLA RATAOUILLE. NOWADAYS SHE FINDS JOY IN FEEDING THE COMMUNITY.
Family comes first.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband Ryan and I have been married for nearly 20 years. His work has taken us across to international countries and several different states, each one being another adventure with natural beauties to see. We have two sons, Beck and Atlas, two dogs, two guinea pigs and a very domesticated cat.
Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? We love to cook together, everything from American breakfasts and Chinese bao, to Central American food and cakes.
When did you know you wanted to be a mom? As a young girl in El Salvador I dreamed of braiding my daughters’ hair. Instead I got two smart handsome boys who keep us busy in different ways.
Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. Every milestone of my kids’ lives have made me equally happy and satisfied: first smile, words, steps…and as they grow, seeing them acting selfless and helping others around them.
Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Our son was born premature and he had to fight for several months, but he overcame those challenges to full health. Watching someone so small find a way to thrive is very humbling.
What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now? Watching them grow, as they slowly become adults.
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’m fortunate that my husband works from home, and he can take care of many of the house responsibilities. We have a chore chart that pays for family fun and dining out. The yard falls through the cracks, but I dream of having a beautiful garden someday.
Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. When we opened the Pupuseria there were very few Central American restaurants, and we weren’t sure how the food would be received, but as the community responded with such positive support it made my heart soar.
Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I would love to have a garden restaurant or some other food outlet, and share more of my passion for different dishes, maybe on a patio surrounded with beautiful flowers.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.
What is something you will NEVER do again?
One time we took a spontaneous camping trip to Mount Shasta, but due to some forest fires, a number of the campgrounds were shut down, leaving no open places to camp. We ended up sleeping in some questionable hotels and then finding a campground
which was in the middle of a small town. Lesson learned was to plan for things to not work out if it’s a spontaneous decision. Where did you grow up, and how did it influence you? Growing up in the war, I learned perseverance over hardship, and to have joy through difficult trials.
Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up during the Salvadoran Civil War, and we lived in the jungle of La Joya, El Salvador. Our neighbors fled to Honduras and Guatemala, but my parents loved their home and refused to leave.
My five siblings and I lived in a small adobe house with dirt, no electricity or neighbors. I watched my mother work late into the night sewing dresses to sell, sitting near her sewing table at night and making dolls and flowers from the scraps. She would sell bananas in town, and I remember her fear-
MOMs Love Local
We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…coffee spot & place to pick up a gift: Imagine Coffee
…Favorite bakery: Pilos Bakery
…view or scenic lookout: Lewisburg Saddle
…spot to get a good workout: Peavy Arboretum
…restaurant to take the kids: Sugoi Sushi, Australian Meat Pie Shop
…restaurants for a date night: TarnTip Thai
…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe
...parks where where the kids can let off steam: Central, Avery and MLK, Jr.
…event in your coammunity: SAGE Summer Concerts
…any other local places you love: Crystal Lake fields, Highland Bowl, Willamette River float
lessly carrying bundles of bananas on her head, my little sister on her hip, while I was on her back, through the jungles, before daybreak.
My father went to the U.S. when I was 3 years old, and three years later my mother went to be with him. My brother and I lived with an aunt and cousins in a house in San Vicente, where I prepared meals for my family in the fields, and we made and sold small flower embellishments for memorial holidays.
What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you?
A positive attitude can change everything. See the good in others.
When did you realize you were no longer a child?
When my parents left, my aunt assigned me an abundance of the house labor and chores: cooking for the family and the field workers, caring for my cousins’ babies and doing laundry in the river. The great benefit of long-suffering is persistence, courage and sympathy.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? This last winter we had a 140-foot Douglas fir tree come down on our lawn, and I wanted to do some hard labor. I cut and stacked the entire tree with some help from family and friends.
What’s your superpower? A keen sense of smell and an active listener.
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?
Sit in the hammock or at the firepit.
What keeps you sane? My husband is my best friend, and he supports me and keeps me grounded.
What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)
Coffee and pan dulce from Pilos Bakery or glass bottle Coke and Hot Cheetos.
Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? It makes me happy to hear the community response to my food.
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.
Listen to mom.
What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Being a mother will not be easy, and reading all the books will not prepare you for everything life has for you during what is about to come. Eventually you wake up to your new superpowers and heightened instincts,
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Go to El Salvador and swim in El Salto de Malacatiupan, a volcanic heated waterfall where the river water is at Jacuzzi temperatures. They say that everyone has a book in them. What’s the title of your book? My story may be something like a Salvadoran Cinderella Ratatouille. My upbringing was not so nice, but I met a prince and traveled the world while mastering my pupusa making, until we found forest paradise Oregon where I started Pupuseria Del Valle.
like waking up from a deep sleep to catch the baby as they roll off the bed, super hearing, a very reliable biological clock for baby check-ins, knowing the state of the diaper from their facial expressions. Learn to embrace and even enjoy the responsibility and hardship — the personal experience from parenting that you cannot get any other way.
What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Enjoy the moment and appreciate all the nice things, remember to see the sunset and flowers when they are here. Many of the beautiful things in life do not last forever. Anxiety must be abandoned, as the disappointments hardest to bear are those which never come.
partners in education
www.santiamchristian.org
541-745-5524 x 243
Get connected to your child’s school experience
In preparing for a new school year, be ready to support your student in seeing how their strengths, weaknesses and behavior can affect them as learners. Express pride in their growth and progress, offering to help in areas where improvement is needed. For example, “You’re doing great in math! Can you write out how you found the answer?” Then listen to your child without interrupting for a set time.
Some good questions to ask your children…
• How did you come up with this idea?
• How can we help you at home?
• What was important to you about this?
• If you could do this work over again, how would you change it?
Your children’s teachers will be there to facilitate and answer specific questions if you reach out, but starting the conversation with your child first strengthens your child-parent bond.
Support your child’s independence by helping them learn to reflect on their learning, evaluate and take pride in their progress, take ownership for their work, and communicate this information.
Celebrating 40 Years of Supporting Our Students
Brought to you by:
Anna Marie Gosser Santiam Christian Elementary Principal
School
Art and music enrichment
Science and technology activities
Mental
Student
Get organized for back-to-school
THE CALENDAR
Whether you’re a paper person, or have gone fully digital, a calendar is the core of a family’s logistical functioning.
Many schools publish the year-long calendar on their websites. Download yours and input all the dates for early release, in-service, conferences, holidays, etc. Note that inclement weather can sometimes change a pre-planned day off into a school day; keep it on your radar so you’re not caught unprepared for childcare.
Once you set the academic calendar, add in the next layers:
• Childcare, before and after-school care
• Busses, carpooling
• Sports practices and games
• Lessons and recitals
• School-based concerts, plays, spirit events
• Birthdays
NOW WHERE DID I PUT MY PHONE?
According to our cover MOMs*, they use their phones for reminders/ alarms to pick up kids, calendars and notepads. Other apps they like:
• Life360
• TeamSnap
• Goblin Tools
• Keeper Password Manager
• AnyList
• Grocery List: Out of Milk
* From surveyed Cover MOMs Jan. 2022 - May 2024
DON’T FORGET TO ...
Go through all the water bottles: no matching lid? Goodbye. Same for any with known leaks.
Backpacks from last year: if your kid’s is still full of stuff from spring, then you are exactly like us. Time to clean it out, wash it and test all the zippers for functionality.
Supplies from last year: Don’t trust the glue and markers for reusing until you test them first.
Stock up on tissues, cold medicines, comfort care for all the cruds you know are about to drop. Tip: buy extra tissues to donate to your kid’s classroom.
If the flurry of tasks from mid-August and into fall feels like a job in air traffic control, you might just be a mom. A few starting points...
There are more September-born people than any other month. Stock up on your go-to gifts and have them ready for all the invites.
KIT OUT THE KIDS
Get dental, eye and well-child visits on the calendar. A regular pediatric well child visit can double as a sports physical — just ask for the form.
SHOES. What, you just bought them shoes? Their feet grow at night. Recheck the sizes… and that they haven’t burned the soles off by using them as scooter brakes.
You probably have school clothes shopping already on your to-dos, but don’t forget sports uniforms and gear.
Haircuts for all. And while you’re at it, nails.
Come to First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op for all of your grocery needs. It’s the natural choice.
Back-to-school lunch ideas
It’s that time of year again, where we clean out the containers and lunch bags for school. Try packing these kid-friendly items — that will actually be eaten and not returned to you at the end of each school day.
Dip and crunch
Slice carrots, celery sticks, cucumbers and colorful peppers into dipping sticks, and pack a small ranch or hummus for dipping. Apple slices with a side of SunButter are also crunchy and delicious (and peanut-free).
Munchables
For some fun finger foods, pack snack-sized cheeses like Babybel or Tillamook’s Cheddar Cheese Snacks. Add crackers and cut squares of deli meat, and ta da: your child can make their own snack stacks.
Dried fruit
Sweet and chewy dried fruit, available in the bulk department at the Co-op, makes a great alternative to packaged snack-treats loaded with extra sugar. Look for dried mangoes, apple rings, pear slices, pineapple slices, banana chips, persimmons and more.
Two locations in Corvallis
SE 3rd • 541-753-3115
Jasmin Woodside of First Alternative Co-op and her children.
Plum delicious
Plum compote
Top off waffles, pancakes, oatmeal or serve over yogurt or ice cream
15 plums, cut in half with pits removed ¼ cup water
3 - 4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Optional: 1 stick of cinnamon
Bring the plums (no need to remove the skins) and water to a boil, then add the sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Turn heat down to a simmer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Once cooled, remove the cinnamon stick, if used. The compote will thicken as it cools. Store in a tightly lidded jar in the fridge for up to a week.
It’s a short but delicious season for plums in Western Oregon.
Baked plums
An easy, sweet treat
15 plums, cut in half with pits removed
3 - 4 tablespoons of honey
½ cup chopped nuts or granola of your choice
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Pour the honey onto a plate and then dip each plum, cut-side down, into the honey to coat the surface.
Place plums cut-side up on the sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts or granola overtop and enjoy!
QUICK TACO CASSEROLE
Quick & delicious dinner to go in 20 minutes
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 bottle taco sauce or 1 pint Cook ground beef with onion browned. Drain excess fat. crush corn chips and place bottom of ungreased 8x8” baking dish. Spoon hot meat chips. Top with cheese. Bake 350°F for 10-12 minutes heated through. When casserole heated through, sprinkle shredded lettuce and serve immediately with taco sauce
Kids and wildfire smoke
THE SUMMER OF 2020 WAS A PIVOTAL YEAR FOR WILDFIRES IN OREGON, WHEN FIRES TOUCHED THE MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIKE WE’D NEVER SEEN BEFORE. NOW WILDFIRE SMOKE IS PART OF OUR NEW NORMAL.
WHILE FIREFIGHTING teams work diligently to keep us safe from fires, the smoke is inescapable — and known to be harmful to humans. For children, the risk of harm is even higher as the smaller the body, the bigger the toxin load. What’s a mom to do? Stay informed, for starters. And be prepared.
KNOW THE AQI
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measurement of how clean or dirty the air is for a geographic population. In the U.S., this is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has established a scale of 0 to 500, where the higher the number, the greater the level of pollution and public health concern.
Measurements over 100 can be troubling for what are called sensitive groups — anyone with health conditions that make them more susceptible to harm. Once the measurement reaches 150, we all have problems.
In 2020, Oregon broke records for having some of the most polluted air in the world. The air was hazardous for days, requiring the general public to stay inside and create, as best we could, clean air bubbles to live in until the smoke cleared. Many kids (and adults, too) went stir-crazy being made to stay indoors. While it’s hard to explain to a five-year-old why she can’t go outside on a summer day, you can plan ahead with games and activities to keep yourselves busy (see sidebar).
HOW CHILDREN ARE AFFECTED
According to the Oregon Health Authority, children’s airways are more likely to be affected by smoke because they breathe more air per pound of body weight.
“Children are more active which means they breathe faster, and they breathe more air relative to their weight,” said Dr. Jennifer Serfin, MD, FACS, trauma medical director at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. They are also growing and developing, which adds another level of concern.
For a mom with kids who have asthma, more precautions are needed. Dr. Serfin said to have rescue
inhalers at the ready. “Additionally, if your child is recovering from an upper respiratory infection, they may be more susceptible to smoke-related symptoms. If your child has severe trouble breathing, is very sleepy, or will not eat or drink, reduce their exposure to smoke and get medical help right away.”
WATCH FOR SCHOOL CLOSURES
Just like with snow, local public school districts will cancel classes, sports, activities and before/after school childcare whenever there is a danger to children. Know your district’s preferred method of communication such as FlashAlert, ParentSquare, etc.
For sports with outdoor practices or games, the Oregon Schools Activity Association governs when to move practices and games inside, or reschedule or cancel completely. Late August is a popular time for daily doubles — your child’s coach should be in regular contact over health safety issues like poor air quality, as well as high temperatures.
KEEP YOUR HOME AIR AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE
Keep windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning if you have it, and set the fan to recirculate.
“With wildfire smoke, it’s important to close any dampers that let outside air into your air handling system,” said Boone Morris, of Advantage Heating & Air in Salem. “And check your air filter after a period of heavy smoke. If it’s darkened, change it out.”
While Morris notes that most home air handlers and filters do a solid job, a smart system with a built-in purification system is worth it if you’re replacing your HVAC or choosing one for a new build.
Wiggly kids stuck indoors can make everyone a bit stir-crazy. Some ideas to expel extra energy:
• Scavenger hunt
• Active games such as Twister or Simon Says
• Dance party
• Hide & seek
• Build a fort with couch cushions and sheets
• Make an obstacle course
Free-standing air purifiers are also widely available and can typically handle a single room (just don’t expect one small unit to cover an entire home). You can also DIY an air purification system by using box fans and filters; visit the EPA’s website and look up “DIY air purifier” for a helpful how-to.
• The floor is lava!
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Guide
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May the LightForce be with you
Until recently, traditional brackets used in orthodontic braces have been one-sizefits-all. We now offer custom brackets made with 3D printing, called LightForce. Customized brackets make sense, as we each have unique shapes to our teeth, such as rectangle, round, etc. Even in one person where you have a set of teeth, such as your canines, they may not be truly identical in widths and indentations. Patients like LightForce brackets because they’re more comfortable. Moving teeth with braces is about force over time: the brackets and wire pull the teeth (albeit very slowly) to where they need to be. With custom-printed brackets adhering to each tooth’s unique contours, the straightening accuracy is improved. It also means less office visits for adjustments.
With LightForce, we start with a free consultation to determine eligibility. We do a 3D scan of the patient’s teeth, and then the brackets are printed out of a clear ceramic-type material called polycrystalline alumina. They are applied to teeth the same way as traditional braces.
Custom-printed brackets are the same cost as traditional braces as well as clear aligners. Aligner-tyle straightening is wonderful, but they aren’t always a good fit for each patient. Parents who opt for LightForce braces are looking for less office visits and increased comfort for their child, while getting the same great results from braces.
This smile is brought to you by: WADE L. HASLAM, DMD, PC
Brought to you by:
Beyond grocery store eye drops
Local dry eye clinic offers in-depth help
Dry eye disease is a common problem that affects millions of Americans of all ages. Being female puts you at greater risk for dry eye, as well as being over age 50. Pregnancy, hormonal birth control and menopause can also lower tear production. There is so much to the story of why a person has dry eyes, and each patient is unique. At our Dry Eye Clinic, we look at how your eyes produce and flush away tears, the quality of the tears your eyes make, how long or short tears stay in your eyes, your tear drainage system and many other details of your eye health.
Once we know your eyes’ unique circumstances, the prescription treatment options are vast: from flushing tear ducts to inserting teeny-tiny plugs, to an array of prescription eye drops, there are numerous treatments that go beyond what you can find at the grocery store.
We hold our Dry Eye Clinic three times a month. If you regularly experience sore, red, itchy eyes or have trouble wearing contact lenses, you may have dry eye disease. Our dry eye experts, Dr. Lancaster and Dr. Molodyh, will look into your condition and give you comfort. Anyone can make an appointment, and no referrals are necessary; all patients are welcome regardless of where you receive eye care.
Carli Lancaster, OD eyecareassociates.net
Albany Willetta St SW (541) 926-5848
Albany Custom Eyes (541) 928-2020
Downtown Corvallis (541) 757-1120
NW Corvallis (541) 752-4622
Lebanon (541) 451-5808
Lincoln City (541) 614-0946
Salem (971) 377-2703
