Oregon Family Magazine

SPRING BREAK & SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

TALKING ABOUT THE HIGH COST OF LIVING

DAYLIGHT

SAVINGS TIME FUN FACTS

SIX WAYS TO CELEBRATE

ST. PATTY’S DAY

Treating bodies and minds, from childhood to young adulthood.

Decline in Vaccinations Puts Children, Families at Risk

BY PILAR BRADSDHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P. EUGENE PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

PEDIATRICIANS LOCALLY AND ACROSS the nation are concerned about the health of children because fewer kids have been getting vaccinations in recent years, increasing the risk that otherwise preventable diseases will spread among children and families.

Many infectious childhood diseases once posed much broader threats than they do today. Before a vaccine became available, measles infected millions each year in the U.S., leading to hundreds of deaths. Polio once paralyzed tens of thousands each year in this country alone. Unfortunately, lower vaccination rates have led to resurgences:

• In November 2022, measles affected more than 80 children in Ohio. In 2019, a major flareup led to more than 1,200 cases in the U.S, including nearly 30 in Oregon.

• Incidences of pertussis, or whooping cough, have become much more common. Oregon saw a spike of more than 900 cases in 2012. In 2020, the state had nearly 200 cases.

• Even polio, which has been declared eradicated in the U.S., had a case last year in New York, the first in more than 30 years. An unvaccinated young adult there became paralyzed.

FEWER VACCINATIONS, GREATER RISK

Unvaccinated children are much more likely to catch and transmit an illness. In Oregon’s 2012 whooping cough outbreak, unvaccinated kids were three times more likely to become ill. When vaccination rates drop, community-wide protection, or herd immunity, also declines. If one or two in a group of 100 are unvaccinated, the risk to the group isn’t that high, but if 10 or 20 choose against immunization, the risk to everyone is much higher, especially as repeated infections lead to new strains.

VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS

Young children aren’t only at risk, but teenagers as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vaccinations to guard against a whole host of serious illnesses, such as hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, encephalitis and HPV.

COVID-19 and influenza immunizations are also important. While they don’t always prevent the illness, they do significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization, pneumonia or severe infection.

By keeping up to date on immunizations, the risk to children is much lower. We are happy to address your questions and provide you with information regarding vaccines. Let’s work together to protect our children from preventable illnesses. ✦

Our Contributors

1. KIMBERLY BLAKER

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com

2. PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Pilar Bradshaw practices the full spectrum of pediatric medicine, seeing patients from birth to young adulthood. Named as 1 of 7 “Favorite Pediatricians” by Parents magazine, she believes in the ability of parents to embrace the joys and challenges of raising children.

3. BRANDY BROWNE

Brandy Browne is the shelter manager for a family crisis center in the United States, as well as a counseling student and blogger for various nonprofits – her area of passion is helping families develop positive habits and breaking the cycle of generational trauma and poverty. Brandy is currently in the final leg of obtaining her counseling license as a marriage and family therapist. Brandy is a wife to her high school sweetheart of seventeen years, and together they share three children, aged twelve, nine, and seven. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, writing, walking in nature, and biking.

4. RICK EPSTEIN

A Dad’s Eye View contributor, also award-winning columnist, and journalist. Author of Rookie Dad (Hyperion) and The Right Number of Kids (McKenna Publishing Group). His wife and three daughters run a living laboratory in which he is constantly tested, analyzed, and experimented upon. It’s as if a guinea pig could write.

5. BONNIE HARRIS

Bonnie is Oregon Family Magazine’s resident Movie Review Master Extraordinaire. She enjoys watching movies of all kinds, and has been doing movie reviews for over 9 years and counting. She lives in Eugene with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

6. SARAH LYONS

Sarah Lyons is a writer and proud mom of six, including six year old triplets. In her limited free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and spending time outside.

7. PAM MOLNAR

Pam Molnar is a writer, storyteller and mother of three. She enjoys writing about moments and events that bring people together. When she is not writing, Pam creates escape room kits and PowerPoint games which she sells in her Etsy shop, Pam’s Party Printables.

8. BETH STEIN

Beth Stein is the Executive Director of Nearby Nature, a non-profit nature education group in Eugene, Oregon. At Nearby Nature’s home base in Alton Baker Park she might be found teaching classes, training volunteers, telling stories, writing newsletters, managing finances, or even occasionally hopping around in a Frannie Frog costume! Beth has a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Environmental Studies from Williams College. She lives in Eugene with her husband and cat Batman.

9. NADINE WESTWOOD

Nadine Westwood is a registered dietitian, travel blogger & fitness lover. She helps her clients achieve phenomenal results by combining nutrition, fitness and fun! She believes primarily in living a happy life, and focusing happiness above all else. In her spare time, she helps save stray animals.

10. RODDY SCHEER

Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel. When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine

Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly, year-round via direct mail in the greater Lane County area, and at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations. For information regarding Every Door Direct Mail, please visit www.dmachoice.org or www.optoutprescreen.com.

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GOOGLE’S STANCE ON sustainability has always been extremely positive, so much so that it has become an integral part of who they are as a company. As is stated on their official site page on sustainability, “We unify our practices, partnerships, and products around a single mission—to foster sustainability at scale.” Thankfully this is not all talk. Google has adopted a number of changes to the way their search engine works, changes that put sustainability at the forefront of the average Google-user’s mind.

Some of these new features include an automatic carbon footprint analyzer that chooses the greenest options for you, be it flights, hotels, driving routes or appliances. Incredibly, the analyzer is so advanced that it gathers information pertaining to a particular flight’s carbon output per seat; a hotel’s green practices (waste reduction, water conservation etc), and whether or not they are Green Key or EarthCheck Certified; the greenest and most costeffective routes to drive; and even the cost-effectiveness and sustainability ratings of energy

intensive appliances like water heaters and furnaces.

Now, all these features and services are great for the user, but what about big-picture sustainability?

At their Google Cloud

world around them.

Furthermore, Google has been using their research into artificial intelligence to optimize the efficiency of traffic lights. The research, which was piloted in Israel, managed to predict traffic

as it pertains to one of their greatest achievements: Carbon Neutrality since 2007.

Sustainability Summit, which occurred near the end of June 2022, Google announced that they would be launching a sustainability platform for their customers to use to boost their own sustainability initiatives. The platform would grant users access to the Google Earth Engine, a tool previously only accessible by scientists and nonprofit organizations. The aim is to give customers the ability to extrapolate how their company’s actions affect not only their immediate marketplace, but the

conditions and improve traffic light timing so well that they saw a 10 to 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and intersection delay time. In the future, they hope to expand this operation into Rio de Janeiro, and hopefully further, should it continue to see success.

While Google has accomplished a great deal in their quest for a more sustainable future, their use of wording may be slightly misleading for some, in particular, their use of the term “carbon-neutral,” especially

What most people don’t realize is that carbon neutrality doesn’t mean that the company in question produces no carbon, or that they remove the carbon they produced from the atmosphere; it means they are offsetting their carbon output by investing in green initiatives, purchasing green energy and taking other actions that purportedly reduce other carbon outputs by as mush asor more than their own. By that definition, according to a report by Dezeen, Google has certainly been carbon neutral, but they have not been carbon net-zero (removing the carbon they produce from the atmosphere). In reality, the carbon that Google has produced since 2007 has accumulated to as much as 20 million tons! ✦

CONTACTS: Accelerating climate action at Google and beyond, sustainability. google/; Google Earth Outreach, google. com/earth/outreach/special-projects/ air-quality/

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.c. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org

Google has a huge amount of influence around the world. What are they doing to promote sustainability that drives real change?

— P. PAULSON, ALEXANDRIA, VA

Google powers its energyintensive data centers with some of the largest solar arrays in the world.

ENJOY THE

Spring Thaw

21 WAYS TO WELCOME SPRING TOGETHER

BY PAM MOLNAR

pring is a time for new beginnings. Every year you vow to make more time for your spouse and the warmer weather of spring is beckoning you to keep your promise. Not sure what to do beyond dinner and a movie? You will find something for every couple in this list of spring time activities…

FOR THE ROMANTIC

Rent a tandem bike and explore the nearby parks and trails. Take time to observe the wildlife, look for spring flowers or simply take advantage of the quiet time together.

If it’s raining, make the most of it. Grab your umbrellas and take a leisurely walk together. Dance under the clouds or stomp in the puddles like children with no repercussions.

A man and woman in a rowboat are often used to symbolize romance. Head out to the lake and let your man show off his inner Noah Calhoun (The Notebook). Don’t forget to bring bread for the ducks.

FOR THE HANDY COUPLE

Fashion a fire pit out of brick pavers and stone. Bring in chairs for a gathering area for friends or pillows for a cozy spot to cuddle under the stars.

Tackle a small remodeling job together. Repaint the bedroom, add a backsplash in the kitchen or replace the outdated hardware on the cabinets.

Enjoy the peaceful sound of running water by installing a backyard pond. Include plants, bright colored koi and a fountain. Complete the area with natural grasses and flowers that attract butterflies like daisies, lavender and zinnias.

FOR THE COUPLE WHO LIKES TO PLAY

Get outside and fly a kite, throw a Frisbee or play catch. Enjoy the warmer weather by practicing your golf swing or playing a round of pickleball.

Check out the All Trails app to find hiking in your area. Find out the distance and difficulty of each trail before you go and read reviews from other hikers.

You are never too old for classic backyard games. Try bocce ball, bean bag toss, croquet, tetherball, volleyball or badminton.

FOR COUPLES WHO LIKE TO GET DIRTY

Choose a place in the yard to plant a vegetable garden. Enjoy the sun, fresh air and the fruits of your labor as your garden grows.

Mud has been used for its healing properties since ancient times. Whether you are looking to detox, relieve tension or rehydrate the dry skin of winter, head to the spa for a mud facial, wrap or couples’ mud massage.

Up for a messy challenge? Athletes of all levels will enjoy competing together in a mud run or obstacle course. Find mud runs in your area by visiting ToughMudder.com.

FOR THE FOODIES

Look for food tours in your area to try a little bite from local restaurants and learn some history. If you can’t find one that suits you, create a progressive dining experience by sampling small plates at several restaurants that you have never been to.

Visit the farmer’s market. If you love to cook, you will love the locally sourced produce and meat found at the market. It is a great way to meet other foodies and share recipes as you shop. As the season progresses, look for pick your own farms for strawberries, tomatoes and more.

Make your own ice cream. Get creative with this simple dessert by adding fruits, chocolate, and nut butters or experiment with flavored extracts. Making ice cream with a hand crank machine adds to the experience, but you can also make it in the freezer.

IF IT’S WARM OUT

When spring arrives, we want to be outside as much as possible. What better way to enjoy the spring weather than to dine al fresco? Find an outdoor café or rooftop for lunch or dust off the grill and have dinner on the patio.

Work together on the chores outdoors. Wash away all signs of winter from your cars. Sweep out the leaves and road dirt from the garage. Paint the front porch swing or prepare the yard for the summer ahead.

Head out to buy some peanuts and Cracker Jacks (or hot dogs and beer) and root for the home team. If you can’t make it to see a major league game, gather a group of friends and head to the local park for your own opening day.

IF THE WEATHER WON’T COOPERATE

Enjoy a burger and watch some March Madness at a local pub. Add a little fun with a side bet or two. Loser has to do dishes or laundry all week.

Lace up your skates and head to the indoor rinks. Hold hands as you glide around the cool atmosphere of an ice rink or in the glow of the disco lights at the roller rink.

Get out of the cold and wind and learn something new. Try classes in cooking, art, fencing, dancing, mixology or whatever else strikes your fancy. ✦

Spring Forward

NINE THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

BY PAM MOLNAR

AYLIGHT SAVING TIME WILL be observed this year from March 12th to November 5th, allowing us to make better use of the natural daylight. Over the past 100 years, Daylight Saving Time has seen several changes in how it has been observed. Who knew that an hour could make such a difference in our lives?

1 BY THE WAY, THE WORD SAVING IS NOT PLURAL. I know. It was admittedly a surprise for me, too. Many people refer to the springtime change as daylight savings time, but that is not correct.

2 PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON signed Fast Time, the original Daylight Saving Time, into law in 1918 in support of the war effort. Seven months later, the law was repealed. While some believe the time was moved forward to help the farmers get more work done during the daytime hours, they were opposed to the change. Farmers are more dependent on the sun rising and setting as the livestock cannot read a clock. Some larger

cities like Boston and New York chose to keep Fast Time as it was better for retailers and urban dwellers. Unfortunately, this lack of uniformity would get worse before it got better.

3

ALTHOUGH THE UNITED STATES has been the first to implement many new ideas, the changing of the clocks to make better use of daylight was not one of them. In 1916, Germany turned their clocks ahead one hour in the hopes of saving fuel during World War I. A similar plan was brought to the House of Commons in the United Kingdom in 1908, but it was not signed into law until 1916.

it. Arizona also does not observe Daylight Saving Time, except for Navajo Nation. Until 2006, most of Indiana did not observe Daylight Saving Time but rather left it up to the counties. In 2019, Oregon passed a law that would keep the state in Daylight Saving time year-round, but the law requires Washington, California to follow suit (as well as approval by Congress) before it can take effect.

LOSE ONE HOUR OF SLEEP, GAIN AN HOUR OF SUNLIGHT EACH EVENING

7

DURING WWII, PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT instituted the use of Daylight Saving Time again. It was not the seasonal time change we have today, but rather a year-round adjustment that lasted from 1942 to 1945. In 1966, The Uniform Time Act was established, instituting the season time change which would run from the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. The irony of the Uniform Time Act was that states were allowed to exempt themselves to set up their own ordinances.

4

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME IS OBSERVED in some way in 70 countries across the globe. Most countries near the equator do not participate, as well as most of Africa and Asia. Antarctica experiences 24 hours of sunlight during the summer months, making Daylight Saving Time pointless. However, they chose to follow it to synchronize their time zone with other stations that do observe Daylight Saving Time. In Australia, most of the continent uses Daylight Saving Time, while parts, like Queensland and Western Australia have chosen not to observe. Most of Canada observes Daylight Saving Time, with exceptions in a few regions across the country.

Daylight Saving Time can be seen as the glass half empty or half full. Yes, on one night you will lose an hour of sleep and it may take you a couple of days to adjust. But look what you gain! An extra hour of sunlight every night! Here’s what you can do with that time:

• Go for a walk

• Throw a ball for your dog

• Prepare your garden

• Sit out on the porch

• Go to the outdoor mall

• Make dinner on the grill

• Ride your bike

• Take a canoe ride

• Go geocaching

• Use sidewalk chalk

5

SO WHY DO WE CHANGE THE TIME AT 2:00 A.M. INSTEAD OF MIDNIGHT? There are several reasons for this. First, changing the time at midnight would push us to 11:00 p.m. the evening before, creating more confusion. Secondly, 2:00 a.m. was thought to be minimally disruptive while still allowing the entire continental United States to change to Daylight Saving Time before daybreak. In the European Union, however, the entire country changes to Summer Time at the same moment – 1:00 a.m. Universal Time (Greenwich Mean Time).

6

EVEN TODAY, AFTER ALMOST 100 YEARS of trying to make the most of our daylight, some of the states in the U.S. do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Hawaii, with its beautiful weather, just doesn’t need

8

CAN DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME CHANGE BIRTH ORDER? A unique concern about the birth order of twins was brought up during the United Kingdom’s early use of Summer Time. If a woman gave birth to one twin at 1:55 a.m. on the morning of the clock change and 2:05 a.m. (after the time change) for the second twin, on paper, the second twin is older. As strange as it sounds, that did happen to a mother in Massachusetts in 2016.

9 LAST SPRING, IN 2022, THE U.S. SENATE passed The Sunshine Act, which meant a permanent change to Daylight Saving Time. Unfortunately, the U.S. House did not approve it. Perhaps it is because the U.S. already tried a permanent Daylight Saving Time in 1973. The early morning darkness by January proved more of a danger to school children than a savings of energy. Our clocks were returned to a 6-month period of Daylight Saving and 6 months Standard Time. ✦

• Play backyard games

• Visit with the neighbors

• Skip rocks on the water

• Explore a new trail

• Blow bubbles

• Rollerblade

• Look for tree buds

• Birdwatch

• Climb a tree

• Fly a kite

• Go to the park

• Jump on a trampoline

• Plant flowers

• Kick a soccer ball

• Watch the sunset

SPRING BREAK AND SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

Camp

Wilani

Summer Camp

July 19th - September 1st, 2023

Day Camp Mini Camp Resident Camp Family Camp

At Camp Wilani, caring adult mentors connecting youth to the outdoors, one another, and themselves!

Fun and inclusive programs for youth 6-17 years of age.

Camp Wilani

Easy Online Registration: wilanicouncil.org

Camp: for Adults!

The Fa Renewal Yoga and Meditation Retreat

at Camp Wilani

JenniferJamieson LibbyCox

September 29th - October 1st, 2023

Enjoy yoga and meditation for all levels with the added fun of summer camp! Canoeing, archery, low ropes, swimming, crafts, campfires and more!

Meals, lodging, all yoga offerings and activities included!

Licensed massage therapists available for an additional fee.

Easy Online Registration: wilanicouncil.org

Spring Break Day Camp!

Low Ropes, Canoeing, Archery, Crafts, Hiking, and More at Camp Wilani in Veneta!

Easy Online Registration: wilanicouncil.org

March 27th30th, 2023

CAMPS at a GLANCE

Simple, Sweet Energy Bites

WHEN IT COMES TO daytime snacking, these delicious Energy Bites can give you the boost you need. Made with creamy peanut butter and honey to curb sweet cravings, while still offering plenty of texture with shredded coconut and raw oats. A perfect snack time nosh.

Store in the refrigerator in a container for anytime snacking. Plus, the recipe makes 20 servings, which means it’s easy to prep your snacks for the entire week ahead of time.

Stop settling for stale crackers or high-calorie dips. Eat something healthy instead, that makes your body feel good and energizes you for the rest of the day.

ENERGY BITES

SERVINGS: 20

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ⅓ cup honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup raw oats

• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut

• ½ cup flaxseed meal

• 6 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

1. In medium mixing bowl, stir peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract until combined.

2. Add oats, coconut, flaxseed meal and chocolate chips. Mix until combined.

3. Shape into 1-inch balls. Store in airtight container in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net

Real Life Fairy Tale

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

IT JUST GOES TO show that wonderful family entertainment can happen in any language. The Amazing Maurice, directed and produced by German artists, was written by American screenwriter Terry Rossio, and stars a galaxy of famous British voices in a film first distributed for European audiences. Although

THE AMAZING MAURICE

Sky Cinema, Rated: PG In theatres

pompous cat Maurice would insist this is entirely his film, it’s really the story of loveable, roust-about rats searching for a forever home. Maurice, a self-serving cat if there ever was one, convinces them it’s more profitable to hoodwink humans than to try to live alongside them. But when their unlikely cat-rat cohort finds a new town that’s mysteriously empty of rats, they know it must be trouble. And sure enough, Maurice discovers the town is ruled by ratcatchers and a menacing presence known as a Rat King. While Maurice works

Truth or Fiction?

THE FABELMANS

Amblin Entertainment, Rated: PG-13

Streaming on Amazon

to keep his rat friends safe, they’re helped by humans Keith and Malicia, who go in search of the real Pied Piper in order to steal his magic flute. With the flute, they hope to defeat the Rat King’s power over furry, fourfooted creatures. Meanwhile, the Rat King sets a devious trap for Maurice & Co and they are soon captured. Adding to the narrative intrigue, screenwriter Rossio tells a story within a story, and winks at his young audience by showing them how

FOR the PARENTS

ALTHOUGH PRAISED AS one of Steven Spielberg’s best works and based on his early years as an adolescent cinema prodigy, The Fabelmans blends truth and myth into an ambivalent package. Spielberg examines his suburban, early-1960’s upbringing and his parents’ troubled marriage mainly through his mother’s eyes rather than his own. Granted, Michelle Williams delivers an outstanding performance as Sammy Fabelmans’ mother, which will likely win gold, but it’ll be for a leading role in the film rather than a supporting role. Spielberg seems to want to exonerate his mother’s semi-serious flirtations with his father’s best friend, which eventually leads to divorce and affects his future filmmaking. Anxious as a child, bullied as a teenager, and venting his feelings into his early films, Sammy learns the power of cinema and prefers the director’s life over a college education. Filmmaking continually puts

good stories are constructed. But let’s not forget that Maurice must escape and save his rat friends from the terrible Rat King who refuses to give up. Although the big showdown might be a little scary for younger viewers, Maurice triumphs with Keith’s musical talent, Malicia’s tenacity, and his own good conscience. Stories unravel, as does the Rat King, and by the very end, there’s a new happy chapter for Maurice and all the rats. ✦

him at odds with father’s traditional viewpoint, but draws him closer to his mother who sacrificed her musical talent for a family. The Fabelmans is narratively solid, the characters are fairly interesting, and it’s fun to pinpoint the Spielberg trivia, but I’m not sure I’d call the film a winner. No doubt, genius is complicated and a talent like Spielberg’s is one in a million.

The world through a lens.

GIFT YOUR CHILD WITH A Green Start

BY BETH STEIN

DID YOU RECENTLY WELCOME

a new baby into your family? Or is your toddler just beginning to walk (or run) everywhere? New parents and friends of people with little ones read on! Spring is the perfect time to gift the children in your life with a green start.

Giving children a green start can mean anything from taking outdoor walks with them to simply being okay with them getting wet and dirty. Children who are gifted with a green start learn early how enjoyable it is to spend time outside. As a result, they are more likely to make healthy outdoor activities a regular part of their lives as they grow older. Parents who give kids a green start also learn quickly how much better they feel when they spend time outside with their children. And according to many doctors, psychologists, and educators, kids who spend time outdoors are healthier, less stressed, more ready to learn, and have higher self-esteem. Adults who spend time outside are also healthier and less anxious. Everyone wins! So how can you give your child a green start (and yourself a green time-out)?

WALK IN THE WILD

It’s a fact of life, babies fuss. They’re tired. They’re hungry. They’re bored. So what do you do? Rather than going for a drive, try walking in the wild outside. Anywhere from a neighborhood park to a street with some trees will work. When your baby is snuggled next to your body in an infant carrier or nestled in a stroller, they will learn early that the rhythm of walking, the sounds of nature, and the feel of fresh air can be soothing. (Check out nurturely.org/lounge for tips on babywearing.)

NAP IN NATURE

If you have a spring or summer infant, take nature naps together. Grab a soft blanket, a good book, and your baby – and head outside. Cuddle up in your own yard or venture out to a welcoming public greenspace. Even if you only do this once a week, consider it time well spent. Birdsong, wind, water…all of these sounds are wonderful for helping your child learn to relax. And they’ll make you feel calmer as well. (See eugene-or.gov/327/

Parks-and-Natural-Areas or willamalane.org/ park_and_trails for info on local parks.)

CREEP AND CRAWL

As your little one becomes mobile, don’t be afraid to let them get dirty and damp. Babies love to creep and crawl in soft grass and warm sand. Let your child feel the varied texture of the world in their hands, on their knees, and between their toes. And as they learn to walk, plan for barefoot time! Allow your child to touch and connect with the living earth.

MESS WITH MUD

Kids love to physically manipulate the stuff of nature. For some sensory fun, fill a shallow plastic tub with water, soil, or sand (or a combo) and let your young child experiment. To keep everyone happy, make sure your container is in a place where a little messy overflow is okay. No fancy toys are needed –simply provide some plastic containers from your recycling, an old spoon for digging, and some cones, shells, or other natural objects for pretend play.

TASTE AND TOUCH

Little kids are always putting things in their mouths, so once they’re eating solids, share fruits and veggies straight from the earth. If you have a garden, let your child “help” you harvest. If you don’t have a garden, find a friend who does, go to the Farmers Market, or visit a U-Pick farm. Introducing your child early to the origin of their peas and carrots will help them develop a sense of gratitude for and connection to the green, growing world that sustains us all. (The Lane County Farmers Market is now open 10 am-2pm in downtown Eugene!)

SONG, DANCE, AND STORY

You can also give little ones a green start through imaginative songs, movement activities, and stories that feature animals, plants, and adventures in nature. Local libraries are a great resource for books and storytimes. Connecting little ones to the wild world outside in their imaginations will inspire them to seek out healthy real life outdoor adventures as they grow older.

(Nearby Nature sponsors Green Start Play Days—storytelling and outdoor play— for kids five and under with their caregivers on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 10-11:30 am – see nearbynature.org/events to register.) ✦

Beth Stein is the Executive Director of Nearby Nature, a non-profit education group dedicated to fostering appreciation of nature nearby and providing tools for ecological living. This month we would like to send out a special welcome to new babies in the Nearby Nature family! Nearby Nature hosts summer daycamps, after school care, preschool activities, no school day programs, special events, and restoration projects. For more information, call 541-687-9699 or see nearbynature.org.

Women and ADD The Hidden Disability

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

CCORDING TO SARI SOLDEN, in her book

Women with Attention Deficit Disorder, “Almost all women find that life today is complex, upsetting or frustrating, but they are still able to meet most of [life’s] demands reasonably well…. For women with untreated Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), however, the demands of daily life can be crippling. It cripples their self-esteem, their families, their lives, their work and their relationships.”

ADD, also known as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), affects between three and five percent of the population. However, adult ADD, especially as it appears in women, often goes unrecognized.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ADD IN WOMEN

The symptoms of ADD are many. Some are more commonly seen in women and opposite the more recognized symptoms seen in men. This makes detection unlikely and diagnosis difficult. Each person’s experience with ADD is unique. While there is a multitude of characteristics, most women with the disorder don’t have every symptom. Instead, each woman has a mixture severe enough to impair some areas of life.

Mental vs. physical disorganization

Disorganization is typical and often a severe problem for women struggling with ADD. They may be unable to organize their homes, offices, or lives. To outsiders, the disorganization isn’t always visible. That’s because women who lead professional lives may have assistants, secretaries, and cleaning services to assist them. Some ADD women have a partner who compensates for their organizational dysfunction, as well.

Other women with ADD find clutter and disorganization an incredible distraction. These distractions, coupled with the responsibilities of everyday life, lead to mental disorganization. The

disorganized brain struggles to store, weed out, and organize logically. For these women, being tidy and organized equals survival.

Hyperactivity vs. hypoactivity

Women with ADD can be at either end of the spectrum, either hyperactive or hypoactive (underactive). Hyperactive women may go at full speed until they crash from the overload.

Family life can also suffer from a hyperactive mother. She may be unable to sit and play games or read to her children unless she finds the activities stimulating.

Many women with ADD are at the other extreme. They’re hypoactive, unable to muster the energy to do much of anything. These women are often unable to keep up with life’s many demands. Maintaining a home, participating in family activities, staying in touch with friends, even holding down a job can be a significant challenge.

Inattention vs. hyperfocusing

The problem is women with ADD struggle with the inability to regulate attention. So it doesn’t mean they can never maintain attention. Instead, their ability to focus is based on interest and whether the activity is stimulating. Many women daydreamed through school when they were younger. Yet the subjects or activities they found fun, interesting, or exciting didn’t pose such a problem. Adult life with ADD is often the same.

Hyperfocusing, which is the opposite of inattention, also poses problems and can coexist with symptoms of inattention. While it may be challenging to focus on some things, a woman may hyperfocus on that which interests her and be unable to shift her attention. Hyperfocusing can last for hours, days, and longer and makes it difficult to break for important matters. Meals may be forgotten, and family members can carry on conversations without being heard. So hyperfocusing puts a strain on the family. If a hyperfocused woman does manage to break away from what she’s engrossed in, she may wander aimlessly and forget what she’s doing.

SYMPTOMS OF ADD

Some of the symptoms commonly seen in women, partially taken from Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults by Dr. Lynn Weiss, are as follows:

• Difficulty completing tasks or following through on plans

• Difficulty shifting attention

• Excessively shifting from one activity to another

• Trouble concentrating on reading

• Impatience

• Frequent preoccupation in thoughts and not hearing when spoken to

• Difficulty sitting still or excessive fidgeting

• Sudden and unexpected mood swings

• Interrupting in conversations, speaking without considering consequences

• Hot-tempered

• Need for high stimulus

• Forgetfulness

• Low tolerance for frustration

• A tendency toward substance abuse

Impatience and impulsivity

Standing in lines, sitting in waiting rooms, and being placed on hold for lengthy waits drives some women with ADD to the brink. So they may avoid these situations altogether. Women with ADD may be impatient either visibly or internally or act impulsively. Minor nuisances can cause significant agitation. Other women with this disorder can maintain their composure yet still feel anxious and annoyed.

Women with ADD may also be impatient about life and events. A woman may plan her whole education or entire life in one day and need for it to happen immediately. She goes into things full swing rather than step-by-step. As a result, women with ADD may have a change of heart after much investment of time or money or feeling spread too thin, with too many goals to achieve.

Impulsiveness is seen when women with this disorder act or speak without thinking. This often leads to trouble by spending impulsively or jumping into relationships and even marriage. Some struggle socially and interrupt conversations or blurt things out they later regret.

Mood

Mood swings, being overemotional, or easily frustrated is another problem. For some women, having ADD is like being on an emotional roller coaster. Extreme mood shifts sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, though the two can coexist.

Women with ADD are frustrated by the slightest aggravations. A simple mistake seems a major ordeal and may result in anger, storming off, and dropping a task altogether. If interrupted in the midst of something, a woman may become irritable and annoyed.

Depression, although not a symptom of ADD, often coexists or is a result of the debilitating disorder. Depression in the ADD woman may stem from a lack of self-worth because she’s unable to hold down a job or adequately care for her family. It can also result from not achieving up to potential because of attention problems or the inability to stick with things. It also sometimes comes from feeling overwhelmed. This feeling can dominate the life of a woman with this disorder.

THE CAUSE OF ADD

Research indicates ADD is a neurobiological disorder with a strong genetic link. According to the nonprofit organization Children and Adults with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, exposure to nicotine or alcohol during fetal development, or several other environmental factors may also play a role in the development of ADD.

MISDIAGNOSIS

Studies show the incidence of ADD in men and women is nearly identical, says Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., co-author of Understanding Women with AD/HD. There are several common reasons women with ADD often go undiagnosed.

Doctors often diagnose the depression that accompanies ADD, but miss the ADD itself. Women, more often than men, have coexisting anxiety and depression, which must be treated as well.

Also, women who are more hyperactive, hyper talkative, and

Hyperactive women may go at full speed until they crash from the overload.

impulsive are sometimes misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Many doctors still look for signs of ADD more typical of boys. Many doctors fail to understand that ADD symptoms in females often don’t appear until puberty or later because of hormonal fluctuations. When girls enter adolescence, during PMS, and as estrogen levels drop in perimenopause and menopause, the symptoms of ADD often worsen.

Also, girls tend to try harder in school, so their ADD patterns are often masked or overlooked by teachers.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Several treatments are available for ADD. The most effective is prescription medication. There’s a multitude of stimulant and non-stimulant drugs available for treatment.

Behavioral therapy is also beneficial for both coming to terms with the lifelong disorder and to relieve negative coping behaviors. Coaching is also useful for learning new skills and strategies for structuring life. Because ADD is neurobiological, therapy and coaching work best in conjunction with medication.

Several ineffective treatments are on the market, as well. Suspect therapies, according to CHADD, include dietary plans such as the Feingold Diet and vitamin and mineral supplements. Other treatments that lack evidence include anti-motion-sickness medication, Candida yeast, EEG Biofeedback, Applied Kinesiology, also known as Neural Organization Technique, and Optometric Vision Training, to name a few. Often, excessive claims are made about these treatments, citing a few favorable responses or studies that don’t hold up to scrutiny.

WHERE TO FIND HELP

An accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential. Finding a qualified provider isn’t always easy because adult ADD, particularly as it affects women, isn’t always recognized. Before seeking a diagnosis, read some recommended books for a better understanding of the disorder and the diagnosis and treatment process. Also, compile a list of questions to ask your provider to ensure he has a clear understanding of the disorder and appropriate treatments. If you don’t feel comfortable with a physician’s responses, seek help elsewhere. ✦

RESOURCES ON ADD

• Women with ADHD: The Indispensable Guide to Overcome the Struggles of Living with ADHD and Embrace Neurodiversity  (2022) by Grace Monroe

• Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life (2012) by Sari Solden, MS, MFCC

• Help for Women with ADHD: My Simple Strategies for Conquering Chaos (2017) by Joan Wilder

• Adult Woman With ADHD: The Unconventional Guide To Coping With Neurodiversity With Tips for Avoiding Distractions, Managing Emotions and No Longer Feeling Like a Failure, Turning Into a Superwoman (2023) by Pansy Bradley

• Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder (2011) by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.

• Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder (2009) by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.

• The New Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults Workbook (2012) by Lynn Weiss, Ph. D.

• The Hidden Flower: A Life-Changing Guide for Today’s Women With ADHD (2022) by L. William Ross-Child

• The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get More Done (2014) by Terry Matlen M.S.W.

For some women, having ADD is like being on an emotional roller coaster.

Cost of Living Crisis

ABOUT THE D

ESPITE OUR BEST EFFORTS, our children are noticing our complaints about the rising cost of the necessities. In the United States, eggs are ringing up at almost ten dollars per dozen, a far cry from this time last year when eggs were between two and three dollars per dozen. In my house in particular, my husband and I recently did an audit of our finances because we could not figure out how we were going through our income so quickly. Though we noticed a few minor changes we could make, a large portion of the changes came strictly from inflation. We are paying significantly more for the same quantities of necessities (in some cases, you are getting less for more money).

This proved to be a valuable opportunity to talk to our children about money and being wise spenders. We talked about ways we

could conserve, eliminating goods or services that we didn’t really need or use frequently, and ways we could be more self-sufficient. Bringing our children into the conversation helped us to feel empowered, rather than unconsciously and unintentionally stressing out our children.

If you are feeling the strain of the rising cost of living and are worried about how the stress might affect young children, try these tips to keep the conversation moving in a positive direction.

1

SPEAK SIMPLY. Avoid technical jargon. Rather than trying to have a conversation about interest rates, simply explain that it costs three times more to feed the family this year than last year. Then, brainstorm ways to compensate for that increase.

2

GIVE CHOICES. Maybe you cannot afford the latest electronics, but your child could still take dance lessons. Involving the children in choices about where money should be spent can be a valuable lesson in setting priorities.

3

REMIND CHILDREN THAT EVEN SMALL CHANGES ADD UP. Simply deciding to eat at home a few extra times a week rather than grabbing takeout can save quite a bit of money. Make it fun to try to see how much the family can “save” each week.

4

FINALLY, THIS

IS THE PERFECT

TIME TO CULTIVATE COMPASSION AND EMPATHY WITH CHILDREN. Remind your children that families may be struggling right now and that it is important to show compassion if a friend says they cannot afford to do something. Encourage children to look for fun ways to enjoy time with friends and loved ones that are free or nearly free. ✦

For further reading on having financial discussions with children, check out the following resources:

• Money Helper, How to Talk to Kids About the Cost of Living https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/blog/everyday-money/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-the-cost-of-living

• Independent, How to Talk to Kids About the Cost of Living Crisis https://www.independent.co.uk/money/ kids-children-understand-explain-money-cost-livingless-b2080704.html

YoungMind, Parents’ Tips on Supporting Children’s Wellbeing in the Cost of Living Crisis https://www. youngminds.org.uk/parent/blog/parents-tips-on-supportingchildren-s-wellbeing-in-the-cost-of-living-crisis/

BRANDY BROWNE

Five Tests for Baby’s New Name

BY RICK EPSTEIN

WHEN SOME PARENTS NAME

A baby, they don’t think much about their choice beyond how it’ll look in the Facebook announcement, or how their in-laws will react to it. But that name will be an item of business between the child and the rest of the world for an entire lifetime.

Naming a baby is like selecting the perfect title for a book when you don’t even know what it’s about. It is a tough assignment. To help you weed out some of the wrong choices, here are a few tests for the names on your short list. Most of these tests aren’t deal-breakers, but they should give you something to think about.

1. The Playground-Taunt Test. Little Claire might like her name just fine until her classmates learn to rhyme it with “bare” and “underwear.” And Melanie might become a different person after she’s been called “Melon-head” a few times.

Don’t bother trying to figure out the trouble a name can cause; consult an expert who has daily experience in the field. Any fifth-grader can identify the freshest kid in the class. That’s your consultant. Give him five bucks to work his magic with your likeliest names.

2. The Practicality Test. Remember what names are for and don’t give a child a name that won’t be used. This happens routinely when a boy is named after his father. To avoid confusion, the family will not want to call the boy by his dad’s name. So a tradition has

developed of giving the kid a silly, juvenile name that is meant to be temporary.

I know a Chester Jr. who is called Chip, a Russell Jr. called Rusty, an Anthony Jr. called Skippy, a Martin Jr. called Butch, a Richard Jr. called Bobo, a George Jr. called Buddy, a DeForest Jr. called Buster, and several Joseph Jrs. who answer to Jojo. Folks, these are dog names! And often as not, the unlucky guy is stuck with his subhuman nickname long after the old man has gone to his reward.

3. The Front-Porch Test. Take the name you’re considering and yell it from the front porch as if

4. The Followup-Question Test. Don’t give a child a name that will provoke a follow-up question or discussion every time it is used. Life contains hassles and snags enough without building a million little ones into your child’s life.

This applies to names like Michelle/Michele, Rachel/ Rachael, Zachary/Zachery, Ellyssa, Auda May, Alec or Rebekkah. While Alekzandria is still haggling over her eccentric consonants, Emily has already gotten down to business.

5. The Are-We-Looking-ForTrouble Test. Try to picture the kind of person who would be

in Tucson, Ariz., sitting beside a pretty 16-year-old girl with an ugly scar on her forearm. She struck up a conversation with me because she, like me, believed her life story to be too rich a treasure to be kept private.

Besides telling me her age, she said that a couple of years before, she and her boyfriend had run away from home. They had hitchhiked east as far as Oklahoma when the boyfriend “got in a fight” with one of their benefactors and fired a shot at him. The bullet missed the driver, but went through the girl’s arm, which ended their adventure and resulted in their return to Arizona.

Besides the scar, the girl had another souvenir of their adventure – a baby who’d been conceived on the run. She named the child Freedom Rose.

The court awarded custody of the baby to the mother of my young bus companion. Apparently Freedom Rose’s grandmother applied the Are-We-Looking-For-Trouble Test and had the court change the baby’s name to Molly. Who thinks that was a bad idea? ***

Those are the tests, carefully compiled to balance the interests of parent and child. Use them, teach them to your friends, and soon our land will be filled with happy, well-adjusted children who run home quickly for supper when their well-chosen names resound musically on the evening air. ✦

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE HOW TO MAKE

Custom Graduation Announcements

BY NADINE WESTWOOD

HETHER IT MARKS THE completion of high school or university, graduation is an important landmark in anyone’s life - and a joyous event that should be celebrated with all of your friends and family!

But when it comes down to planning a memorable graduation party, a lot of thought needs to be given to how you’ll announce the details of the event to your loved ones. And, one of the best ways to do so is with a custom announcement!

In this guide, you’ll find an easy-to-follow checklist to design and send out one-of-a-kind graduation party invites!

CHOOSE A THEME!

The first to plan a sweet graduation celebration is to choose a theme! For example, you could throw a fancy dress party inspired by your field of study, or you could opt for a weekend abroad with your loved ones.

Whatever your dream graduation party is, make sure to stick to a theme and use the same colors, patterns, and shapes for your custom announcements.

SELECT A MEANINGFUL PHOTO

No, adding a photo isn’t mandatory - but it’s a wonderful way to transform a bland invitation into a memorable keepsake for your friends and loved ones. If you are unsure about the type of photo to add to the cover of your invites, look for a portrait or candid shot.

Alternatively, you could engage a professional photographer to take a few snaps of you in your graduation gown!

ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH WITH HANDWRITING

If you are looking to make your custom announcements extra special, opt to write the details of your party by hand! Writing handwritten notes can have many benefits, including making a letter more personal, adding a unique touch to an invitation, and highlighting the importance of your relationship with your guests.

USE A CUSTOM TEMPLATE

Looking for a truly special custom announcement? Custom invites such as Mixbook’s graduation invitation templates allow you to leverage professionally-designed invites and tailor them to your needs by adding your details, colors, and photos. Just make sure to choose a template that matches the theme of your graduation party!

GO DIGITAL

For those graduates who are planning to have a large party, hold a digital event, or invite loved ones who live far away or abroad, a digital invite might be the best option. These are more affordable, customizable, and easy to send to anyone, regardless of geographical barriers.

And, of course, they lend themselves well to more efficient digital RSVPs - so, you can start planning the party straight away!

SAVE ONE FOR YOURSELF!

Once your announcements are made and sent out, don’t forget to keep one for yourself. You might not think much of it right now, but a tailored invitation can become a precious heirloom for yourself and your loved ones! ✦

PHOTO: PEXELS

WAYS TO CELEBRATE

Saint Patrick’s Day WITH KIDS

BY SARAH LYONS

ACH HOLIDAY BRINGS THE opportunity to participate in unique celebrations with your kids and Saint Patrick’s Day has no shortage of fun festivities. Whether you are lucky enough to be Irish or just love celebrating the holiday, try these fun and educational ideas to bring some luck to your home.

EAT ALL THINGS GREEN

Celebrate the day by feasting on all things green. For breakfast, try some green eggs and ham while reading the Dr. Seuss book to your kids or dye your pancakes green just for fun. For lunch, try serving up a buffet of green foods - broccoli, celery, salad, guacamole, and grapes. Wash it all down with some green juice. Who knows? Maybe your child will try some new foods trying to get good luck on St. Patty’s Day.

ATTEND A PARADE

Check your local listings for a Saint Patrick’s Day parade and attend as a family. Go green by painting your face or picking up some silly hats or headbands at the local dollar store. See which family member can dress in the most green for the event.

SET A LEPRECHAUN TRAP

The night of the 16th, have your kids set a leprechaun trap using a box or laundry basket. Put gold coins inside to attract your leprechaun, but remember, leprechauns are very sneaky and do not like to be seen. In the morning, your child may awake to see that the leprechaun has taken their gold coins and left them a small gift or treat.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Create a scavenger hunt for your kids (or let the leprechaun leave the first clue in the trap). Make it educational by asking kids to answer a question or riddle to figure out the next clue or leave an interesting fact about Saint Patrick to learn more about the holiday. Have your kids follow the clues through the house to find a pot of gold coins at the end

MAKE A RAINBOW

Saint Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a rainbow. Have your kids use watercolors or finger paint to create their own rainbow. Vanilla pudding with food coloring makes for a fun and edible finger paint. Put food coloring in cups of water and let kids experiment by mixing them to see what colors they can create. Using eye droppers and ice cubes trays lets you sneak in a little fine motor practice too. Make sure to offer some Lucky Charms cereal as a snack for a little inspiration.

EXPLORE THE IRISH CULTURE

Learn about the Irish culture by checking out books or movies about Ireland and the history of Saint Patrick’s Day from your local library. Have the kids watch a video of an Irish dance performance (YouTube is a great place to find one) and have the family try some of the dance moves themselves. This activity will get the whole family moving and probably produce some giggles too. For the crafty, try painting or drawing an Irish flag or four leaf clover. If you are lucky enough to be Irish, make a family tree and discuss your heritage. For dinner try serving a traditional Irish meal like corn beef and cabbage. If this isn’t a family favorite, Reuben sandwiches may be a good alternative.

There are so many ways to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day that do not involve the stereotypical party we may first think of. Parents can get creative with crafts and activities that are family-friendly and sure to become a well loved tradition in years to come. ✦

Rescue Spotlight

Meet handsome 6-year-old Coonhound Mix, BANDIT ! He is the sweetest gentleman who adores affection and pets. He often will lean into your legs for love and promises to be the most loyal companion to his family. His ideal home will provide him with time outside and a warm bed for him to relax in. He likes his daily walks and would thrive in a big field to run around in. Once inside, he is a chill dog that likes his sleep. He is a very smart boy and eager to please. A volunteer said, “Mr. Personality! He always makes me laugh and he’s a good buddy.”

Bandit should meet any canine friends at the shelter for a meet and greet prior to adoption and should go to a kitty free home. He would do best with children that can respect his space and things. He weighs between 80-85 lbs., is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. This friendly hound is such a lovely dog that is so deserving of his special home!

The Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents MIKEY , a handsome young brown tabby male kitty about 3 ½ years old. He’s LOVES to cuddle in your lap, and will purr up a storm. He’s friendly and playful, good with kids, and can adapt to other cats – but he is afraid of dogs. He will make a wonderful, fun-loving companion for his new forever family. He’s neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, negative for FIV & FeLV, and in excellent health. To meet Mikey, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org

Greenhill Humane Society is open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org.